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 company provided us with all the necessary supplies for the conference. [supplies: noun]
Example
The store has a wide range of office supplies available for purchase. [supplies: noun]
materials
Example
The artist used various materials such as paint, canvas, and brushes to create the masterpiece. [materials: noun]
Example
The construction workers used high-quality materials to build the bridge. [materials: noun]
Example
We need to gather all the necessary materials before we can start the project. [materials: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supplies and materials are both commonly used in various contexts, but supplies is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in office or school settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between supplies and materials?
Both supplies and materials are versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but materials may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields.
