What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shopping
Example
I love shopping for new clothes at the mall. [shopping: gerund]
Example
We went shopping for groceries at the supermarket. [shopping: noun]
buying
Example
I am buying a new phone from the electronics store. [buying: present participle]
Example
The buying process was quick and easy at the online store. [buying: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buying is more commonly used than shopping in everyday language. Buying is a necessary activity for acquiring essential items, while shopping is often associated with leisure and luxury.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shopping and buying?
Both shopping and buying can be used in various formality levels, but buying is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, while shopping is more commonly used in informal contexts.
