What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buy
Example
I need to buy some groceries for dinner tonight. [buy: verb]
Example
She loves to buy clothes whenever there's a sale. [buy: verb]
purchase
Example
The company decided to purchase new equipment for the office. [purchase: verb]
Example
He made a big purchase and bought a new car. [purchase: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buy is more commonly used than purchase in everyday language. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations. On the other hand, purchase is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between buy and purchase?
While buy is associated with a casual and informal tone, purchase is more formal and is often used in professional or business contexts.
