How to Say Something Is Free in English
The word “free” usually gets people’s attention quickly! But do you know how to say that something is free using other words and expressions?
This article will explain some common synonyms for "free" together with useful example sentences. After that, we'll look at some slang and idioms that use "free" in different ways.
Other Ways to Say Something Is Free
Free of charge
Neutral
All purchases include a t-shirt free of charge, while supplies last.
Complimentary
Formal
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and snacks in the lobby.
On the house
Informal
This expression is common in places like bars and restaurants.
We’re sorry about the mistake with your order. To apologize, your meals are on the house.
Related article: Useful English Terms and Expressions for Bartenders
Gratis
Neutral
This comes from Latin and originally meant "favor." But in modern English (as well as several other languages), it means "free."
It can be used as an adverb or an adjective.
My friend is letting me stay at his house gratis while I look for a new apartment.
Gratis bottles of water were given to the people waiting in line outside.
Gratuitous
Formal
Did you notice that the root word here is "gratis"?
We're offering gratuitous samples of our new product during the launch campaign.
The adverb form is “gratuitously.”
The company offers repair service gratuitously for one year after purchase.
At no cost
Neutral
The company offers mental counseling services at no cost to its employees.
If you order a combo meal, you can upgrade your medium drink to large at no extra cost.
Free ninety-nine
Informal
This is a play on words, or a usage of words in a funny and clever way; “free ninety-nine” sounds very similar to “$3.99.”
A
How much was that cap?
B
Free ninety-nine! I used my reward points to pay for it.
(Someone’s) treat
Informal
When someone says that something is "their treat," it means they will pay.
Let's go get dinner. My treat.
You can also treat someone to something.
My mom treated me to ice cream because of the good score I got on my test.
Vocabulary and Idioms With “Free”
Freebie
This is a casual word for something that costs no money.
The first 100 people to buy a ticket will get a keychain or sticker as a freebie.
Freeload
Freeloading is relying on someone else's help instead of working to get something on your own.
After a year without paying rent, Casey was finally kicked out of his friend's apartment for freeloading.
"Freeloader" is a noun for a person who freeloads.
Don't be a freeloader. If you want to enjoy the benefits of success, work to earn it yourself.
Free-for-all
This is a noun for a chaotic situation with no rules.
When the store opened on Black Friday, it was a free-for-all as customers rushed to get the best items on sale.
Free rein
Someone who has or is given free rein has the power to control or direct a situation.
The designer was given free rein to decide the look of the costumes.
CEOs don't have free rein over their companies; they need to meet with other high-level employees before making major decisions.
Free spirit
This is a noun describing an independent person who thinks or acts without worrying about the opinions of others.
Min-Seo is a free spirit, which sometimes bothers her family, who are more conservative.
Free agent
Free agents are people who aren't officially connected to any group or organization.
When his contract expires, the star athlete will be a free agent and able to join any team in the league.
I decided to leave my company and become a free agent.
Freelance
Freelancing is working for others on a per-project basis instead of as a full-time employee.
Working freelance has given me a better work-life balance.
"Freelancers" are what we call people who work this way.
This job is open to freelancers in the Los Angeles area.
Wrap-up
Everybody loves free! But as we've shown here, there are many ways to say that something doesn't require payment.
Want to try using these words and expressions in a real chat? Book a lesson with an Engoo tutor today — there are thousands of Engoo tutors around the world ready to chat with you 24/7.
