What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
move
Example
I need to move to a new apartment. [move: verb]
Example
Can you help me move this couch to the other side of the room? [move: verb]
Example
The movie really moved me to tears. [moved: past tense]
transfer
Example
I need to transfer the files from my old computer to my new one. [transfer: verb]
Example
The company decided to transfer ownership of the building to a new owner. [transfer: noun]
Example
She transferred to a different school after her family moved to a new city. [transferred: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Move is more commonly used than transfer in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Transfer is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between move and transfer?
Transfer is generally considered a more formal term than move, as it is often used in professional or legal contexts. Move is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.