A friend claims that the phrase for free is incorrect Saying available rather than free is considered slightly more formal, though i wouldn't worry much about usage cases. Should we only say at no cost instead?
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I don't think there's any difference in meaning, although free of charges is much less common than free of charge
Regarding your second question about context
Given that english normally likes to adopt the shortest phrasing possible, the longer form free of charge can be used as a means of drawing attention to the lack of demand for. What is the opposite of free as in free of charge (when we speak about prices) We can add not for negation, but i am looking for a single word. I want to make a official call and ask the other person whether he is free or not at that particular time
I think asking, “are you free now?” does't sound formal So, are there any alternatives to. ' free ' absolutely means 'free from any sorts constraints or controls The context determines its different denotations, if any, as in 'free press', 'fee speech', 'free stuff' etc.
My company gives out free promotional items with the company name on it
Is this stuff called company swag or schwag It seems that both come up as common usages—google searching indicates that the Saying free or available rather than busy may be considered a more positive enquiry It may also simply mean that you expect the person to be busy rather than free, rather than the other way round
