Thread: 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.

Originally Posted by ShinsHunaKu

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...

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?"

Yeah, I think "buy" is always correct.

Unless your making your purchase at Best Buy. LOL.

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