What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
byproduct
Example
The company discovered that the waste material from their manufacturing process could be used as a byproduct in another industry. [byproduct: noun]
Example
The new recipe was a byproduct of the chef's experimentation in the kitchen. [byproduct: noun]
subproduct
Example
The subproduct of this chemical reaction is a useful compound that can be used in various applications. [subproduct: noun]
Example
The subproduct of their research was a new method for solving complex mathematical problems. [subproduct: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Byproduct is more commonly used in everyday language, covering a wide range of contexts and industries. Subproduct, on the other hand, is less common and may be more technical or specific to certain fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between byproduct and subproduct?
Both byproduct and subproduct can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, byproduct is more versatile and widely accepted in everyday language, while subproduct may be more technical and formal in certain fields.
