What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bidding
Example
He won the painting at the auction by placing the highest bidding. [bidding: noun]
Example
She is currently bidding on a rare collectible online. [bidding: present participle]
auction
Example
The antique furniture was sold at an auction for a high price. [auction: noun]
Example
They decided to auction off their old car to the highest bidder. [auction: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Auction is more commonly used than bidding in everyday language. Auction is a versatile term that is widely recognized and used in various contexts, while bidding is more specific and commonly associated with the context of auctions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bidding and auction?
While bidding is generally considered more formal, auction can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible and widely applicable term.