Phrasal verbs "bargain for" vs "sponge off"

Differences between bargain for and sponge off

Bargain on means to rely on something happening or someone doing something, usually with the expectation of a positive outcome. Sponge on means to take advantage of someone's generosity or resources without giving anything in return.

Meanings and Definitions: bargain for vs sponge off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Bargain for

• 1. Expect something to happen ( usually negative ).

  I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many people coming.

Sponge off

• 1. Accept free food and support without any shame or qualms.

  Let's go to New York, we can always SPONGE OFF my brother there.

Usage Examples: bargain for, sponge off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

bargain for

Example

I didn't bargain for the traffic being so bad.

Example

She never bargains for the weather being so unpredictable.

sponge off

Example

He always sponges off his friends when he needs money.

Example

She sponges off her parents for financial support.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bargain for

count on

To rely on someone or something to happen or be present.

Example

I can always count on my best friend to cheer me up when I'm feeling down.

expect

To anticipate or look forward to something happening.

Example

I expect to receive a promotion at work since I've been working hard and meeting my targets.

plan on

To intend or make arrangements to do something in the future.

Example

We plan on going to the beach this weekend if the weather is good.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sponge off

leech off

To exploit someone's generosity or resources without giving anything in return.

Example

He's always leeching off his parents for money instead of getting a job.

mooch off

To live off someone else's resources or hospitality without contributing anything.

Example

She's been mooching off her friend's apartment for months without paying rent or utilities.

take advantage of

To exploit or use someone or something for one's own benefit.

Example

He's always taking advantage of his coworkers' kindness by asking them to cover his shifts.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “bargain”

• bargain on
• bargain down

Phrasal Verbs with “sponge”

• sponge down
• sponge on

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

• account for
• cater for
• opt for
• fish for
• answer for

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

• show off
• damp off
• start off
• run off
• call off

Differences in bargain for vs sponge off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bargain for or sponge off?

In everyday conversation, bargain on is more common than sponge on. This is because bargain on is used in a variety of situations, such as making plans or predicting outcomes. Sponge on is less common and has a negative connotation, so it's not used as frequently.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bargain for and sponge off

Bargain on and sponge on are both informal phrases that are used in casual conversations. However, sponge on is considered impolite and should be avoided in formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bargain for and sponge off

The tone of bargain on is generally positive and hopeful, while the tone of sponge on is negative and selfish.

bargain for & sponge off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Bargain for

Synonyms

• anticipate
• expect
• foresee
• predict
• envisage
• count on

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• overlook
• underestimate
• neglect
• discount

Sponge off

Synonyms

• freeload
• scrounge
• parasitize
• exploit
• leach
• mooch
• live off
• take advantage

Antonyms

• contribute
• support oneself
• be independent
• give back
• pay one's way
• provide for oneself