bid for vs bid on

Both 'bid for' and 'bid on' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Bid for' is used when you are trying to acquire something through an auction or competitive process, while 'bid on' is used when you are placing a bid on an item or project. The choice between the two depends on the specific situation and the preposition that sounds more natural in that context.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 975 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"bid for"

This phrase is used when you are trying to acquire something through an auction or competitive process. It indicates your interest in obtaining the item or project.

Examples:

He decided to bid for the antique vase at the auction.
Several companies are expected to bid for the construction project.

Show examples from the web [+]

You placed a bid for the Snark manuscript to goad your brother.
They're prepared to make a bid for his shares.
The sale of Sidex was seen to have helped Romania's bid for EU membership.
Parliament supports Palestine's "legitimate" bid for statehood
This is my first bid for freedom.
She stole his cell phone, the contents of which will damage the Governor's bid for reelection.
We're short on our bid for the dam.
I got a bid for $2 million.
He sent an associate to register his bid for tomorrow's vote.
Perhaps someone will make a bid for Mama.
No, this is the bid for the neighboring property.
A commercial bank will submit a bid for a given volume to the national central bank.
Yes, I admit it. I also placed a bid for the Snark.
And then she tells me Cliff's trying to undercut my bid for the DCT contract.
With the bid for the dam, I mean.
Do I hear a bid for these women?
The dashing billionaire businessman has not ruled out a bid for the mayor's job, but he is considering his options, according to a spokesman.
So I must ask you whether or not you bribed Knightly to support your bid for St Paul's Wharf side.
He's willing to see his bid for Gannicus doubled.
Senator Howard lost his bid for reelection.

Alternatives:

make a bid for
place a bid for
offer a bid for
compete for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"bid on"

This phrase is used when you are placing a bid on an item or project. It indicates your action of submitting a bid for consideration.

Examples:

She decided to bid on the painting at the art auction.
Many people are expected to bid on the house during the auction.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can bid on whatever I want.
I'm willing to bid on you.
Now, architects approved to bid on the addition, they had access to the building's original plans.
You know who's bid on that piece and for how much.
Come on, let me bid on you for her.
So, I'm pretty sure Daphne just bid on a pony.
I mean, she did bid on my basket at auction.
You'll front the bid on behalf of your company.
These are jobs that Masslin & Associates bid on but didn't get.
I would not have bid on that.
But I might have bid on it.
I-I bid on a lot of things.
I bid on a lot of things.
I was just about to bid on your basket, I swear.
George Tucker, you stacked your basket so I'd bid on it.
Leases that we are not allowed to bid on as foreigners.
$1,000 bid on whatever the next item is.
I put in a bid on that house.
You bid on the whole thing or.
Single ladies bid on eligible gentlemen for a night out in Cedar Cove.

Alternatives:

make a bid on
place a bid on
offer a bid on
compete on

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bid for vs bid on

"bid for"

"bid on"

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