What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stocks
Example
I invested in some stocks of a tech company. [stocks: noun]
Example
The store has a large stock of winter clothing. [stock: noun]
Example
He has built up a stock of knowledge over the years. [stock: noun]
inventory
Example
We need to update our inventory to see what products we need to restock. [inventory: noun]
Example
The employees spent the day taking inventory of the warehouse. [inventory: verb]
Example
The company has a large inventory of raw materials. [inventory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inventory is more commonly used than stocks in everyday language. Inventory is a term that is frequently used in business and retail contexts, while stocks is more commonly used in the context of finance and investing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stocks and inventory?
Both stocks and inventory can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stocks may be more commonly used in formal contexts due to its association with finance and investing.
