What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trade
Example
The two countries have a trade agreement that benefits both economies. [trade: noun]
Example
I want to trade my old phone for a newer model. [trade: verb]
deal
Example
We made a deal to split the profits 50-50. [deal: noun]
Example
Can you deal with this customer complaint? [deal: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deal is more commonly used than trade in everyday language. Deal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while trade is more specific and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trade and deal?
Trade is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while deal can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.