What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supplies
Example
I need to buy some art supplies for my painting class. [supplies: noun]
Example
The hiker packed enough supplies for a week-long trek in the wilderness. [supplies: noun]
Example
She went to the supply closet to get more paper for the printer. [supply: noun]
equipment
Example
The construction workers used heavy equipment to dig the foundation. [equipment: noun]
Example
The laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for conducting experiments. [equipment: noun]
Example
The athlete invested in high-quality equipment to improve her performance. [equipment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supplies and equipment are both commonly used in various fields and industries, but supplies may be more commonly used in everyday language due to its broader scope.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supplies and equipment?
Equipment is often associated with a more formal tone due to its specialized and technical nature, while supplies can be used in both formal and informal contexts.