What does the phrasal verb “trade on” mean?

What are the definitions of “trade on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Exploit, use something to your advantage.

  He TRADES ON their insecurity to get his way.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “trade on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trade on is to exploit or use something to your advantage. It often refers to taking advantage of a situation, someone's feelings, or a particular quality to gain a benefit.

What are the different verb forms of “trade on”?

Root Verb	trade on
Third Person Singular Present	trades on
Present Participle	trading on
Simple Past	traded on
Past Participle	traded on

Example

She trades on her good looks to get special treatment.

Example

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

Example

They are trading on their reputation to attract new clients.

Example

He traded on his friendship with the boss to get a promotion.

Example

She had traded on her family's wealth to establish her business.

What kind of phrasal verb is “trade on”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“trade on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

He traded on their trust to manipulate them.

Example

She traded on her experience to secure the job.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“trade on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

He traded on their trust to manipulate them.

Example

She traded on her experience to secure the job.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “trade on”?

Trade on someone's name

Use someone's reputation or fame to gain an advantage.

Example

The company traded on the celebrity's name to promote their products.

Trade on someone's emotions

Manipulate someone's feelings to achieve a goal.

Example

He traded on her sympathy to get her to help him.

Trade on a quality

Use a specific quality or characteristic to gain an advantage.

Example

The politician traded on his charisma to win the election.

Good things to know

Does “trade on” have an informal or formal tone?

Trade on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business discussions or academic writing.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “trade on”?

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• underestimate
• disregard
• waste
• undervalue