On the House: Share These Alternatives for "Free" (With Discussion Questions)
“Free” is a word that usually gets people’s attention quickly! But do your students know any other ways to express this idea?
This article will explain some synonyms for "free" that are common in everyday usage and just might help your students spot a deal. After that, we’ll take a look at some expressions that use it in different ways.
Alternatives for “Free"
Complimentary
Formal
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and snacks in the lobby.
Free of charge
Neutral
All purchases include a t-shirt free of charge, while supplies last.
On the house
Informal
This expression is used in places like bars and restaurants.
We apologize for the mistake. Your meals are on the house.
Gratis
Neutral
This 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.
Gratuitous
Formal
Sharp-eyed students will 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.”
We offer repair service gratuitously for one year after purchase.
At no cost
Neutral
The company provides mental health counseling services at no cost to its employees.
Free ninety-nine
Informal
Can your students spot the play on words in this expression? (The joke is that it sounds very similar to “$3.99.”)
This cap was free ninety-nine; I used my reward points to buy it.
Related article: Extra Lesson Time? ⏳ Play with English Puns
My treat
Informal
“My treat” is said by someone who is offering to pay, usually for a meal.
Let's go get dinner. My treat.
Point out that in the verb form, you can also treat someone to something.
My mom treated me to ice cream because I got a good score on my test.
Idioms With “Free”
Free-for-all
Meaning: a chaotic situation with no rules
The Black Friday sale was a free-for-all as customers fought to get the best deals.
Freeload
Meaning: to rely on someone's generosity instead of getting something for oneself
After a year without paying rent, Casey was kicked out of his friend's apartment for freeloading.
A “freeloader" is a person who freeloads.
Don't be a freeloader. If you want to enjoy the benefits of success, earn them yourself.
Free rein
Meaning: complete control over a project or situation
The designer was given free rein to choose the look of the film.
Related article: A Guide to Giving and Receiving Permission
Free spirit
Meaning: a person who thinks and acts freely and independently
Min-Seo is a free spirit, which sometimes annoys her conservative family members.
Free agent
Meaning: someone who is not officially connected to any organization
I decided to leave my company and become a free agent.
Freelance
Meaning: to work for others on a per-project basis
Working freelance has given me a better work-life balance.
"Freelancers" is the name for people who work this way.
The job opportunity is open to freelancers in the Los Angeles area.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever gotten something on the house?
- Is it common in your country for shops to offer free samples of food or products?
- Have you ever been treated to something?
- Do you consider yourself to be a free spirit? Do you know someone who is?
- Have you ever worked as a freelancer? How was the experience?
- What do you think the English expression “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” means?
Wrap-up
The concept of “free” can be expressed in many ways, from formal to casual, and it’s important for students to get familiar with other commonly used terms — especially if they have plans to study overseas.
Once they become comfortable with the terms here, you can continue the money theme by explaining the differences between "spend," "pay" and "cost."
