What is price? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "price" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning - referring to a monetary amount):

• Basic Price: This is the most common usage - it's the money you pay for something.

  • "The price of bread is $2."
  • "What’s the price of that shirt?"
  • "I paid $50 for the book."

• Unit Price: This refers to the price for a single unit of something.

  • "The price per pound of apples is $1.50."
  • "This cereal has a low price per ounce."

• Retail Price: The regular price a store charges.

  • "The item is currently on sale, so the price is reduced."

• List Price: The original price set by the manufacturer. (Often lower than the retail price).

  • "The list price is $100, but we’re offering a discount."

• Ticket Price/Admission Price: The cost to enter an event.

  • "The price of the concert ticket is $75."

• Fixed Price: A price that doesn’t change.

  • “This service comes with a fixed price of $100.”

2. As a Verb (meaning to set or determine the cost):

• To price something: To decide on the cost of something.

  • “The company will price its new product competitively.”
  • “The auctioneer will price the artwork.”

• To price something at (a specific amount): To set a specific price.

  • “We’re pricing the new model at $2,000.”
  • “The car was priced at $15,000.”

3. Phrases and Idioms using "Price":

• At a price: Meaning "for a cost" or "with difficulty."

  • "I’ll do it, but at a price." (I'll do it, but I want something in return.)

• To price out: To estimate the cost of something. (Often used in budgeting).

  • “Let’s price out the different options for the renovation.”

• The price is right: (Referring to the game show) – A good, reasonable price.

• Beyond the price: To go beyond a certain cost, or to overpay.

  • “The service was great, but it was way beyond the price.”

• Pay the price: To suffer a consequence for something.

  • "You have to pay the price for your mistakes."

• To put a price on (something): To assign a value or importance to something.

  • "People are willing to put a price on their freedom." (They’re willing to pay for it.)

4. Context Matters:

• Goods vs. Services: "Price" is most commonly used for tangible goods (like a shirt or a car). For services, you might use phrases like "cost," "fee," or "charge."

• Negotiation: Prices are often negotiable. "Do you take less?" or "Can you match the price?"

Examples Combining Different Uses:

• "The retailer priced the new smartphones at $800, but other stores are offering a lower price." (Verb + noun + noun)
• "The price of gas has gone up significantly this year." (Noun)
• “I’m willing to pay a higher price for quality.” (Noun)

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/price
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/price
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/price

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "price"? (e.g., shopping, talking about economics, discussing a service, etc.)