What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
countervailing
Example
The countervailing forces of supply and demand determine the price of goods. [countervailing: adjective]
Example
The government imposed countervailing duties on imported goods to protect domestic industries. [countervailing: adjective]
Example
The company implemented countervailing measures to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. [countervailing: noun]
offsetting
Example
The company used carbon credits as a way of offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions. [offsetting: verb]
Example
The benefits of the new policy will offset the costs in the long run. [offsetting: verb]
Example
The increase in sales offset the decrease in revenue from other sources. [offsetting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offsetting is more commonly used than countervailing in everyday language. Offsetting is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, while countervailing is more specific to certain fields such as economics or trade.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between countervailing and offsetting?
Countervailing has a more formal and technical connotation, making it more appropriate for academic or professional writing. Offsetting, on the other hand, is more casual and everyday, making it suitable for informal or conversational contexts.
