What are the definitions of “sell on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Convince someone.
We managed to SELL him ON the expansion plans.
- 2Buy something then sell it to someone else.
We buy them wholesale and SELL them ON to the public.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sell on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sell on is to buy something and then sell it to someone else, usually at a higher price. This is often done by businesses that purchase items at wholesale prices and then sell them to customers at retail prices.
What are the different verb forms of “sell on”?
| Root Verb | sell on |
| Third Person Singular Present | sells on |
| Present Participle | selling on |
| Simple Past | sold on |
| Past Participle | sold on |
Example
We sell on the products to our customers after buying them from the manufacturer.
Example
The store sells on the items at a higher price than they bought them for.
Example
She is selling on the clothes she bought at a discount.
Example
He sold on the car after fixing it up.
Example
The items have been sold on to the customers.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sell on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“sell on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
We sell on the products to our customers.
Example
She sold the clothes on after buying them at a discount.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“sell on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We sell on the products to our customers.
Example
She sold the clothes on after buying them at a discount.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sell on”?
To sell items for a percentage of the sale price as payment.
Example
The sales agent sells on commission, so she earns more when she sells more products.
To sell items on behalf of the owner, receiving payment only after the item is sold.
Example
The shop sells on consignment, so the artists receive payment after their artwork is sold.
Good things to know
Does “sell on” have an informal or formal tone?
Sell on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and business settings. The level of formality depends on the specific context in which it is used.
