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Prepositions after verbs

bargain for vs. bargain with

Bargain for and bargain with are both correct, but they express different ideas. For refers to what you want. With refers to the person or group you negotiate with.

Quick answer

How to use bargain with different prepositions

Use bargain for when talking about the thing or result wanted in a negotiation. Use bargain with for the person or organization involved in the negotiation.

bargain for a lower price
bargain with the supplier
They bargained for better conditions.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
bargain for + thing or result

What is being negotiated?

For introduces the price, condition, or benefit someone wants.

Customers often bargain for a discount at the market.
2
bargain with + person or group

Who is involved in the negotiation?

With names the other side in the negotiation.

The company bargained with the union for weeks.
3
bargain over + details

What details are discussed?

Over is used for the specific points under negotiation.

They bargained over the contract terms all afternoon.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
bargain for
She bargained for free delivery.
Focuses on the result or advantage wanted.
bargain with
We bargained with the dealer.
Focuses on the other party in the negotiation.
bargain for something with someone
He bargained for a better salary with his employer.
Combines both ideas in one sentence.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using with for the thing wanted

With refers to people or groups, not the negotiated result.

✕ She bargained with a lower price. ✓ She bargained for a lower price.

Using for for the negotiation partner

For should not introduce the person you negotiate with.

✕ They bargained for the landlord. ✓ They bargained with the landlord.

Omitting the needed preposition

Bargain usually takes a preposition when the object is stated.

✕ He bargained a discount. ✓ He bargained for a discount.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. They bargained ___ the shop owner for an hour.
2. She bargained ___ a better deal.
3. The lawyers bargained ___ the final wording.

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Frequently asked questions

Can bargain for and bargain with appear together?

Yes. You can say bargain for a lower price with a seller.

Is bargain over correct?

Yes. It is used for details or points being negotiated.

Does bargain always mean discussing prices?

No. It can also refer to negotiating conditions, salaries, or agreements.

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