compare prices — check costs
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To look at the cost of the same or similar things in different places so you can choose the best deal.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is advisable to evaluate the respective prices beforehand.
Native It's worth comparing prices first.
'Evaluate the respective prices' is stiff; 'compare prices' is the everyday verb.
Pattern: compare prices (of something) (at/in/between places)
In use
- It's a good idea to compare prices before buying a new phone.daily life
- When shopping for electronics, I always compare prices online and in local shops to save money.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I always compare price before buying.
✓ I always compare prices before buying.
Usually plural — 'compare prices'.
Common collocations
compare prices— online, before buying, across shops, between brands
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'ask the price', which is just finding out the cost of one thing.