Key difference: Sell and sale are two different words in the English language. The main difference between the words ‘sell’ and ‘sale’ is that ‘sell’ is a verb, whereas ‘sale’ is a noun.

Sell and sale are two different words in the English language. However, as the words look, sound and are somewhat interrelated, they are often used incorrectly. The main difference between the words ‘sell’ and ‘sale’ is that ‘sell’ is a verb, whereas ‘sale’ is a noun.

Firstly let us look at the definitions of the words. Dictionary.com defines ‘sell’ as:

• To transfer (goods) to or render (services) for another in exchange for money; dispose of to a purchaser for a price: He sold the car to me for $1000.
• To deal in; keep or offer for sale: He sells insurance. This store sells my favorite brand.
• To make a sale or offer for sale to: He'll sell me the car for $1000.
• To persuade or induce (someone) to buy something: The salesman sold me on a more expensive model than I wanted.
• To persuade or induce someone to buy (something): The clerk really sold the shoes to me by flattery.
• To make sales of: The hot record sold a million copies this month.
• To cause to be accepted, especially generally or widely: to sell an idea to the public.
• To cause or persuade to accept; convince: to sell the voters on a candidate.
• To accept a price for or make a profit of (something not a proper object for such action): to sell one's soul for political power.

Whereas, Dictionary.com defines ‘sale’ as:

• The act of selling.
• A quantity sold.
• Opportunity to sell; demand: slow sale.
• A special disposal of goods, as at reduced prices.
• Transfer of property for money or credit.
• An auction.

Now let us consider an example:

“Jack, did you sell the cow?” “Yes Ma and I got a really good sale too. I got magic beans for a simple cow.”

So, now why did Ma use ‘sell’ while asking Jack, and why did Jack respond with ‘sale.’ Ma used ‘sell’ because she was asking Jack if he did something. ‘Sell’ is a verb, same as ‘to do’, ‘to go’, and ‘to sell’. Whereas, ‘sale’ is a noun; it used like other nouns, i.e. after verbs. “I got a sale.” “I got a discount.” “I made a sale.”

Further examples of ‘sell’:

• I want to sell my car.
• I sold the house.
• Did you hear that Tom sold his book?
• This store sells antique jewellery.
• I can’t legally sell this to minors.

Further example of ‘sale’:

• There is a sale at the mall.
• I got these shoes at a sale.
• I actually made a sale at the shop today.
• This last sale will turn the business around.
• The shop keeper made a huge profit on this sale.
• They had to complete the sale before the banks closed.
• Laws limit the sale of handguns.
• The sale of liquor is prohibited to minors.
• I got some great bargains at their annual sale.
• The new line of cars will soon be on sale.

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