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Correct use of "free"

Is an item "free" or "for free"?

Re: Correct use of "free"

I would need more context to answer this.

This is a free item. (grammatically fine)

You can buy this for free. (grammatically fine)

Some assert that free is only an adjective and not an adverb. Therefore, 'kids eat free' causes some grammarians to swoon. Personally, I can live with it.

Re: Correct use of "free"

I thought that 'kids eat free' was ok because it was short for 'free of charge'.
Personally I hate ' for free' in any context.
I think 'for nothing' or simply 'free' sound much better.
Is there any grammatical justification for this ingrained opinion?

Re: Correct use of "free"

Here a lesson on free versus for free.