buy vs purchase

Both 'buy' and 'purchase' are correct and commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably in most contexts, but 'purchase' is slightly more formal than 'buy'. The choice between them depends on the formality of the situation.

Last updated: March 31, 2024

buy

The word 'buy' is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'buy' when you want to acquire something by paying for it.

Examples:

I want to buy a new car.
She buys groceries every week.
He bought a gift for his friend.
We are going to buy a house next month.
They bought tickets for the concert.

Show examples from the web [+]

Somebody else wants to buy your airline.
I need money to buy paint.
College kids, mostly looking to buy beer.
Click here to buy a VisualARQ license.
To buy myself a house in the Hamptons.
I need to buy a suit.
Do not buy land mines from unauthorised vendors.
Assuming Batman left anyone to buy from.
All pledges to buy exclusively from Nate's Hardware.
Max tries to buy new generation weapons.
Max is trying to buy next-generation weapons.
Perhaps you should buy several next time.
That wasn't to buy votes.
Rosewood provides the best care money can buy.
This is earnest money to buy this house.
There is nothing money cannot buy in this country.
They offered to buy him out.
EXXON just tried to buy exclusive rights.
Maybe Annie didn't buy the passport.
Only buy what we absolutely need.

Alternatives:

purchase
acquire
get
procure
obtain

purchase

The word 'purchase' is correct and slightly more formal than 'buy'.

Use 'purchase' when you want to acquire something by paying for it, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Examples:

She purchased a new laptop for work.
The company decided to purchase new equipment.
He made a purchase online.
We need to purchase supplies for the event.
They are considering purchasing a new property.

Show examples from the web [+]

Franchise contracts increasingly include purchase options.
My client arranged the first purchase.
Mr Field, you arranged the purchase of Leatherslade Farm?
Unused medicinal products must be returned to the point of purchase.
Those are Robertson's purchase orders.
Your clients want the purchase agreement voided.
Expect delivery of your purchase within a fortnight.
Vehicle purchase financing activities are therefore concentrated in these segments.
Which president negotiated The Louisiana purchase?
And arrange for the purchase of the Dead Man's Gulch.
The purchase of pharmaceuticals at the lowest possible price is of crucial importance.
Our money is created initially by the purchase of U.S. bonds.
May 2001 CB purchase, debt roll-over
You authorized the purchase of beef from this slaughterhouse in Mexico.
Following their purchase, these allowances shall be withdrawn from the market.
any requirements for proof of purchase;
As regards SLT, the insolvency administrator had commissioned an M&A consultant who sent the purchase documentation to about 150 potential investors.
Participation in promotional games is not conditional upon any payment or any obligation to purchase.
Cost of purchase (SIT thousand)
Besides, every time I make a purchase, I earn points.

Alternatives:

buy
acquire
get
procure
obtain

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buy vs purchase

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