{"id":6842,"date":"2026-01-20T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/?p=6842"},"modified":"2026-01-14T03:22:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T03:22:46","slug":"free-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"On the House: Share These Alternatives for \"Free\" (With Discussion Questions)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Alternatives_for_%E2%80%9CFree%E2%80%9D\" >Alternatives for \u201cFree&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Complimentary\" >Complimentary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free_of_charge\" >Free of charge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#On_the_house\" >On the house<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Gratis\" >Gratis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Gratuitous\" >Gratuitous<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#At_no_cost\" >At no cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free_ninety-nine\" >Free ninety-nine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#My_treat\" >My treat<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Idioms_With_%E2%80%9CFree%E2%80%9D\" >Idioms With \u201cFree\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free-for-all\" >Free-for-all<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Freeload\" >Freeload<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free_rein\" >Free rein<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free_spirit\" >Free spirit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Free_agent\" >Free agent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Freelance\" >Freelance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Discussion_Questions\" >Discussion Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cFree\u201d is a word that usually gets people\u2019s attention quickly! But do your students know any other ways to express this idea?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ll take a look at some expressions that use it in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alternatives for \u201cFree\"<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complimentary\"><\/span><strong>Complimentary<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041330\/other_ways_to_say_free_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A thin tray with various kinds of bread on a table in an upscale dining room\" class=\"wp-image-6845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041330\/other_ways_to_say_free_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041330\/other_ways_to_say_free_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041330\/other_ways_to_say_free_1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Formal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Guests can enjoy <strong>complimentary<\/strong> tea and snacks in the lobby.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_of_charge\"><\/span><strong>Free of charge<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Neutral<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>All purchases include a t-shirt <strong>free of charge<\/strong>, while supplies last.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"On_the_house\"><\/span><strong>On the house<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Informal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This expression is used in places like bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>We apologize for the mistake. Your meals are <strong>on the house<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gratis\"><\/span><strong>Gratis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Neutral<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can be used as an adverb or an adjective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My friend is letting me stay at his house <strong>gratis<\/strong> while I look for a new apartment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gratuitous\"><\/span><strong>Gratuitous<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Formal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharp-eyed students will notice that the root word here is \"gratis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>We're offering <strong>gratuitous<\/strong> samples of our new product during the launch campaign.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The adverb form is \u201cgratuitously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>We offer repair service <strong>gratuitously<\/strong> for one year after purchase.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_no_cost\"><\/span><strong>At no cost<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Two women speaking while sitting on a sofa\" class=\"wp-image-6846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041417\/other_ways_to_say_free_2-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Neutral<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The company provides mental health counseling services <strong>at no cost<\/strong> to its employees.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_ninety-nine\"><\/span><strong>Free ninety-nine<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Informal<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can your students spot the play on words in this expression? (The joke is that it sounds very similar to \u201c$3.99.\u201d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This cap was <strong>free ninety-nine<\/strong>; I used my reward points to buy it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/about-online-tutoring\/extra-lesson-time-puns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Extra Lesson Time? \u23f3 Play with English Puns<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_treat\"><\/span><strong>My treat<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Informal<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy treat\u201d is said by someone who is offering to pay, usually for a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Let's go get dinner. <strong>My treat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Point out that in the verb form, you can also treat someone <em>to<\/em> something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My mom <strong>treated me to<\/strong> ice cream because I got a good score on my test.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Idioms_With_%E2%80%9CFree%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>Idioms With \u201cFree\u201d<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free-for-all\"><\/span><strong>Free-for-all<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: a chaotic situation with no rules<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The Black Friday sale was a <strong>free-for-all <\/strong>as customers fought to get the best deals.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Freeload\"><\/span><strong>Freeload<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041444\/other_ways_to_say_free_3-1024x646.jpg\" alt=\"A lazy man sleeping on a sofa while holding a remote controller\" class=\"wp-image-6847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041444\/other_ways_to_say_free_3-1024x646.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041444\/other_ways_to_say_free_3-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041444\/other_ways_to_say_free_3-768x484.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: to rely on someone's generosity instead of getting something for oneself<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>After a year without paying rent, Casey was kicked out of his friend's apartment for <strong>freeloading<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201cfreeloader\" is a person who freeloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Don't be a <strong>freeloader<\/strong>. If you want to enjoy the benefits of success, earn them yourself.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_rein\"><\/span><strong>Free rein<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: complete control over a project or situation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The designer was given <strong>free rein <\/strong>to choose the look of the film.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Related article: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/a-guide-to-giving-and-receiving-permission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>A Guide to Giving and Receiving Permission<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_spirit\"><\/span><strong>Free spirit<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: a person who thinks and acts freely and independently<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Min-Seo is a <strong>free spirit<\/strong>, which sometimes annoys her conservative family members.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_agent\"><\/span><strong>Free agent<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: someone who is not officially connected to any organization<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I decided to leave my company and become a <strong>free agent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Freelance\"><\/span><strong>Freelance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: to work for others on a per-project basis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Working <strong>freelance<\/strong> has given me a better work-life balance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Freelancers\" is the name for people who work this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The job opportunity is open to <strong>freelancers<\/strong> in the Los Angeles area.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discussion_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Discussion Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have you ever gotten something <em>on the house<\/em>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is it common in your country for shops to offer free samples of food or products?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you ever been treated to something?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you consider yourself to be a free spirit? Do you know someone who is?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you ever worked as a freelancer? How was the experience?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What do you think the English expression \u201cThere\u2019s no such thing as a free lunch\u201d means?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of \u201cfree\u201d can be expressed in many ways, from formal to casual, and it\u2019s important for students to get familiar with other commonly used terms \u2014\u00a0especially if they have plans to study overseas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once they become comfortable with the terms here, you can continue the money theme by explaining the differences between <a href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/teaching-grammar\/how-to-explain-pay-vs-spend-vs-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\"spend,\" \"pay\" and \"cost.\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cFree\u201d is a word that usually gets people\u2019s 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...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":432,"featured_media":6844,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"unified_meta_tagline_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[75,57,86,74],"class_list":["post-6842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vocab-expressions","tag-alternatives","tag-discussion","tag-free-talk-topics","tag-idioms"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>On the House: Share These Alternatives for &quot;Free&quot; (With Discussion Questions) | Engoo Tutor&#039;s Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Even beginner-level students will likely know &quot;free.&quot; But how many other ways can they express this concept in English?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"On the House: Share These Alternatives for &quot;Free&quot; (With Discussion Questions) | Engoo Tutor&#039;s Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Even beginner-level students will likely know &quot;free.&quot; But how many other ways can they express this concept in English?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Engoo Tutor&#039;s Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-20T01:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10042429\/other_ways_to_say_free_tutors_caller_en.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"David\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"David\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"David\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/43c4049c9f2f669e9985f0ed34eec4af\"},\"headline\":\"On the House: Share These Alternatives for \\\"Free\\\" (With Discussion Questions)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-20T01:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/\"},\"wordCount\":654,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tutor.engoo.com\/blog\/vocab-expressions\/free-alternatives\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/03\/10041136\/other_ways_to_say_free.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"alternatives\",\"discussion\",\"free-talk topics\",\"idioms\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Vocab &amp; 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