Differences between trade in and trade on

Trade in means to exchange something old or used for something new or different, usually with a financial transaction involved. On the other hand, trade on means to use or exploit a particular situation or circumstance for personal gain or advantage.

Meanings and Definitions: trade in vs trade on

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Trade in

1Exchange something old as part of the price of something new.
She TRADED IN her old car for the new model.
2Leave your wife or husband to marry someone younger.
He TRADED IN his wife when he became the chairman.

Trade on

1Exploit, use something to your advantage.
He TRADES ON their insecurity to get his way.

Usage Examples: trade in, trade on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

trade in

Example

I want to trade in my old phone for a new one.

Example

She trades in her car every few years for a newer model.

trade on

Example

She trades on her good looks to get special treatment.

Example

He trades on his connections to get ahead in his career.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Trade in

swap out

To exchange one thing for another, usually of similar value or function.

Example

I decided to swap out my old phone for a newer model with better features.

barter for

To exchange goods or services without using money.

Example

In some cultures, people still barter for food, clothing, and other necessities.

cash in

To exchange something for money, especially when it's worth more than its original value.

Example

He decided to cash in his rare stamp collection and made a significant profit.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Trade on

capitalize on

To take advantage of a situation or opportunity for personal gain.

Example

The company decided to capitalize on the growing demand for organic products and launched a new line of organic snacks.

exploit for

To use something or someone for personal gain or advantage, often in an unfair or unethical way.

Example

Some politicians try to exploit social issues for their own political gain, rather than addressing them effectively.

leverage for

To use a particular situation or resource to achieve a desired outcome or advantage.

Example

The company decided to leverage its brand reputation for expanding into new markets and attracting more customers.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “trade”

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in trade in vs trade on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: trade in or trade on?

Both trade in and trade on are commonly used in everyday conversation, but trade in is more frequently used than trade on. This is because trade in is used in various contexts such as car dealerships, electronics stores, and pawnshops, while trade on is mainly used in business or political contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of trade in and trade on

Trade in and trade on are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, trade on may be considered slightly more formal than trade in since it is often used in business or political contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of trade in and trade on

The tone of trade in and trade on can differ based on context. Trade in often has a practical and straightforward tone, especially when referring to exchanging goods or services. In contrast, trade on can have a negative connotation, implying that someone is taking advantage of a situation or exploiting others for personal gain.

trade in & trade on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Trade in

Synonyms

Antonyms

Trade on

Synonyms

exploit
utilize
leverage
take advantage of
capitalize on
benefit from
profit from

Antonyms