Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Bargain on" Correctly

Learning English phrasal verbs can be tricky, but understanding common ones like "Bargain on" is essential for fluency. This phrasal verb, generally meaning to expect or anticipate something, often appears in everyday conversation and written English. This post will guide you through the various nuances of "Bargain on". We'll explore its meanings, grammatical structures, provide synonyms, and offer practice exercises to solidify your understanding. Get ready to confidently use "Bargain on" in your English!

Table of Contents

• What Does "Bargain on" Mean?
• Structure with "Bargain on"
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does "Bargain on" Mean?

The phrasal verb "Bargain on" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, primarily revolving around the concept of expectation. At its core, to bargain on something means to expect it to happen, to anticipate a particular outcome, or to rely on a certain situation unfolding as you've foreseen. It's not just a passive thought; often, this expectation influences your plans, decisions, or preparedness. For instance, if you bargain on sunny weather for an outdoor event, you've likely made arrangements based on that assumption – perhaps you didn't prepare a backup indoor venue.

This phrasal verb can carry different shades of meaning. It can imply a simple anticipation, a stronger reliance, or, very commonly, it's used in the negative (e.g., 'didn't bargain on') to express surprise when events don't go as expected. This negative usage is particularly powerful for conveying that an unexpected challenge or situation has arisen. When you say you didn't bargain on something, you're highlighting that it was an unforeseen development.

Understanding "Bargain on" is crucial for grasping subtleties in conversations about future plans, potential problems, and reactions to unforeseen circumstances. It’s a key piece of vocabulary for anyone looking to achieve fluency, as it allows for more nuanced expressions of expectation and surprise than simpler verbs like 'expect' alone. Using "Bargain on" correctly will make your English sound more natural and sophisticated, showing a deeper command of idiomatic expressions.

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Structure with "Bargain on"

To use "Bargain on" accurately, it's important to understand its grammatical structure. This phrasal verb is typically inseparable, meaning that 'bargain' and 'on' stay together; you don't usually place an object between them when it carries the meaning of 'to expect'. The phrase 'bargain on' is then followed by the thing that is being expected or relied upon. This can take several forms:

• A noun phrase: (e.g., the rain, his help, a significant delay)
• A gerund phrase (the -ing form of a verb acting as a noun, often preceded by a possessive adjective or object pronoun): (e.g., it raining, his helping, our arriving late)
• A 'that' clause (a clause starting with 'that', often with 'that' being optional, especially in informal contexts): (e.g., that it would rain, that he would help)

Let's delve into the specific meanings and see these structures in action. Pay attention to how the choice of structure can slightly alter the nuance or formality of the sentence when you bargain on different outcomes.

Meaning 1: To expect something to happen and make plans accordingly.

This is the most straightforward meaning of "Bargain on". It implies a level of planning or assumption based on an anticipated event or situation. You're not just idly expecting; you're likely making decisions based on this expectation. It suggests a proactive anticipation rather than a passive hope.

• Structure: Subject + bargain on + [noun phrase / gerund (-ing form of verb) / 'that' clause]

  • With a noun phrase: This structure is very common and direct.

    • Example 1: "They bargained on good weather for their outdoor wedding." (They expected good weather and likely planned the entire event based on that specific expectation.)
    • Example 2: "The company had bargained on a steady increase in sales, but the economic downturn hit hard."

  • With a gerund phrase: This often emphasizes the action or occurrence that is expected.

    • Example 1: "We were bargaining on finishing the project by Friday, so we scheduled the client presentation for Monday." (The expectation of finishing directly influenced subsequent planning.)
    • Example 2: "She's bargaining on receiving the scholarship to fund her studies."

  • With a 'that' clause: This structure can add a bit more formality or specificity to what is expected.

    • Example 1: "He bargained on that his proposal would be accepted without major revisions." (The expectation was specific to the proposal's acceptance terms.)
    • Example 2: "We bargained on that the train would be on time, as we had a connecting flight."

Meaning 2: To rely on something happening (often implies a degree of dependence or trust).

This meaning is closely related to the first but can carry a stronger sense of reliance or dependence. If you bargain on something in this sense, its non-occurrence could cause significant problems or disappointment. It's similar in strength to "count on" or "depend on."

• Structure: Subject + bargain on + [noun phrase / gerund (-ing form of verb) / 'that' clause]

  • With a noun phrase: Emphasizes reliance on a specific person, thing, or condition.

    • Example 1: "The small business bargained on continued support from local customers to survive the first year." (Their survival was dependent on this support.)
    • Example 2: "You can't always bargain on luck; you need a solid plan."

  • With a gerund phrase: Highlights reliance on an action or event taking place.

    • Example 1: "He bargained on his friends helping him move, so he didn't hire professional movers." (He was relying on their assistance, and not getting it would cause issues.)
    • Example 2: "They bargained on the babysitter arriving by 7 PM sharp."

Meaning 3: Used in the negative to mean something unexpected occurred (didn't expect/anticipate).

This is a very common and important usage of "Bargain on". When you say you "didn't bargain on something," it powerfully conveys surprise, unpreparedness, or that an event was contrary to your plans or expectations. It underscores the unforeseen nature of the situation.

• Structure: Subject + did not/didn't/hadn't + bargain on + [noun phrase / gerund (-ing form of verb) / 'that' clause]

  • With a noun phrase: Clearly states the unexpected thing or situation.

    • Example 1: "We hadn't bargained on such a difficult exam; we thought it would be much easier." (The exam's difficulty was a complete surprise.)
    • Example 2: "I didn't bargain on the long queues at the supermarket today."

  • With a gerund phrase: Focuses on an unexpected action or event.

    • Example 1: "She didn't bargain on facing so much opposition to her innovative proposal." (The resistance was not anticipated.)
    • Example 2: "They didn't bargain on it snowing in April!"

  • With a 'that' clause: Often used for more complex unexpected situations.

    • Example 1: "I didn't bargain on that the journey would take over ten hours due to road closures!" (The extended travel time was unforeseen and problematic.)
    • Example 2: "He hadn't bargained on that his initial investment would yield no returns for three years."

More: Mastering 'Bail Out': A Guide to This Versatile Phrasal Verb

Related Phrases and Synonyms

While "Bargain on" has its unique flavor, especially its common use in the negative to express surprise, several other words and phrases in English convey similar meanings related to expectation and reliance. Understanding these synonyms can help you diversify your vocabulary and choose the most appropriate term for a specific context. Expanding your knowledge of these related terms will also deepen your understanding of the nuances involved in expressing anticipation. Below is a table of common synonyms for "Bargain on", along with their precise meanings and illustrative examples. Notice how some synonyms might be more formal or emphasize different aspects of expectation.

More: Mastering 'Back up': A Guide to Using This Phrasal Verb

Practice Time!

Now it's time to test your understanding of "Bargain on"! Choose the best answer for each question.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "bargain on" correctly to mean 'expect' or 'rely on'? a) We bargained on a cheaper price for the house. b) I didn't bargain on the traffic being so light this morning. c) She bargained on with her manager for a raise. d) They like to bargain on the market stalls.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "The organizers hadn't bargained on so many people attending the free concert." What does this sentence imply? a) The organizers expected a very large crowd. b) The organizers were prepared for a large number of attendees. c) The organizers were surprised by the large number of attendees. d) The organizers negotiated the number of attendees.

Correct answer: c

Question 3: Choose the most appropriate completion for the sentence: "We are __________ his expertise to guide us through this complex issue." a) bargaining for b) bargaining with c) bargaining on d) bargaining to

Correct answer: c

Question 4: "I didn't bargain on __________ this late for the meeting." Which form of the verb is correct? a) arrive b) to arriving c) arriving d) arrived

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like "Bargain on" significantly enhances your English communication skills, allowing for more nuanced and natural expression. By understanding its core meaning of 'to expect,' 'to anticipate,' or 'to rely on,' and practicing its various structures, especially its common use in the negative, you can express yourself with greater precision and confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key to integrating new vocabulary. Keep using "Bargain on" in different contexts, both in speaking and writing, and soon it will become an indispensable part of your active English repertoire. This will undoubtedly help you navigate conversations involving plans and unexpected events more effectively.