What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
offshoot
Example
The new company was an offshoot of the original business. [offshoot: noun]
Example
The book was an offshoot of the author's research on the topic. [offshoot: noun]
byproduct
Example
The cheese factory sold the whey, which was a byproduct of the cheese-making process. [byproduct: noun]
Example
The increased traffic was a byproduct of the new shopping center. [byproduct: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Byproduct is more commonly used than offshoot in everyday language, particularly in the context of production, processes, or activities. Offshoot is less common and is more often used in the context of organizations, groups, or ideas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between offshoot and byproduct?
Both offshoot and byproduct are relatively formal words, but byproduct is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while offshoot is more commonly used in formal or technical writing.
