What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
auctions
Example
The antique furniture was sold at an auction. [auction: noun]
Example
They decided to auction off their old car to the highest bidder. [auction: verb]
bidding
Example
He won the painting after a fierce bidding war. [bidding: noun]
Example
She was bidding on the rare book at the auction. [bidding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Auctions are more commonly used than bidding in everyday language. Auctions are well-known events and are often mentioned in various contexts, such as art, real estate, or charity. On the other hand, bidding is a term that is more specific to the process of making offers or placing bids within an auction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between auctions and bidding?
Both auctions and bidding can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, auctions may be more commonly associated with formal settings, such as high-end art auctions or government auctions, while bidding can be used in a wider range of situations, including informal online auctions or friendly bidding games.
