What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subsidiary
Example
The subsidiary company operates under the parent company's brand name. [subsidiary: noun]
Example
The parent company has several subsidiaries in different countries. [subsidiaries: plural noun]
affiliate
Example
The local radio station is an affiliate of a national broadcasting network. [affiliate: noun]
Example
The company affiliates with other businesses to expand its reach. [affiliates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Affiliate is more commonly used than subsidiary in everyday language. Affiliate is a more general term that can refer to a wide range of connections or associations, while subsidiary is a more specific term that refers to a company that is owned or controlled by another larger company.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subsidiary and affiliate?
Both subsidiary and affiliate are formal terms that are commonly used in business and organizational contexts. However, subsidiary may be considered more formal due to its specific legal and ownership implications.
