What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
substituting
Example
I'm substituting butter with margarine in this recipe. [substituting: present participle]
Example
The coach is substituting the injured player with a new one. [substituting: verb]
trading
Example
I'm trading my old phone for a new one. [trading: present participle]
Example
He made a lot of money by trading stocks. [trading: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trading is more commonly used than substituting in everyday language. Trading is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while substituting is less common and refers to a specific type of exchange.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between substituting and trading?
Both substituting and trading can be used in formal and informal contexts, but trading is more commonly used in business or financial settings, which tend to be more formal.