+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Purchase VS Buy

 
  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Age
    42
    Posts
    1
    Rep Power
    0

    Cool Purchase VS Buy

    I need to know the correct way to use both words that mean pretty much the same, I hope somebody can help me with this doubt.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    295
    Rep Power
    1028

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    Quote Originally Posted by ShinsHunaKu View Post
    I need to know the correct way to use both words that mean pretty much the same, I hope somebody can help me with this doubt.
    I do not see a lot of difference between the two words. Perhaps, purchase is a *little* more business like.

    For example, I do not think I would say "I purchased some flowers for her". I would say "I bought her some flowers".

    Perhaps other have some other thoughts...

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    16
    Rep Power
    126

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    California Man, I think also that "purchase" is used in advertising when sellers want to use words that make buyers feel more comfortable. Buy has the connotations of handing over money, purchase has more of a "smart decision to obtain something" feeling to it. Car dealers want you to "purchase a new automobile," rather than "buy a new car."

    I agree with you, purchase is more business-like. Buying is more visceral, has more feeling. (I certainly don't "purchase flowers" for anyone. But I might purchase flowers if I were a buyer for a company that does events and needs 3,000 dollars worth of flowers for a show.

    But really, there's no sharp distinction and it's just a matter of what feels best or what is better usage. And for non-native speakers of English, it is one of those things that are good to know.

    Would you say, when in doubt, always use "buy?"

  4. #4
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Age
    37
    Posts
    989
    Rep Power
    1010

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    Yeah, I think "buy" is always correct.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Texas, USA
    Posts
    1,973
    Rep Power
    5020

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    One big difference between the two is that purchase is often used as the noun. Buy not so much. We make a purchase. We rarely make a buy.

    The Louisiana Buy wouldn't sound right.

    "I made a buy" might attract attention from the DEA.
    vicente

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    16
    Rep Power
    126

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    Unless your making your purchase at Best Buy. LOL.

  7. #7
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Age
    42
    Posts
    1
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Purchase VS Buy

    I think it depends on the context or situation... thanks for the tips guys

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. purchase returns
    By florenciag in forum English to Spanish Financial Translation
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-26-2014, 08:55 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •