What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occupation
Example
My occupation is a teacher. [occupation: noun]
Example
He is occupied as a software engineer. [occupied: verb]
trade
Example
He learned the trade of carpentry from his father. [trade: noun]
Example
She trades in handmade jewelry at the local market. [trades: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occupation is more commonly used than trade in everyday language. Occupation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of jobs and professions, while trade is more specific and often associated with manual labor.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occupation and trade?
Occupation is generally considered more formal than trade. Occupation is often used in professional or academic contexts, while trade is more commonly used in informal or colloquial settings.
