exchange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the act of giving something and receiving something in return. Example: "We can exchange ideas during the meeting to enhance our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relatives, friends and teachers of 16 German schoolchildren who were returning from an exchange in Spain when the plane crashed are also present.

The Guardian

Related: Hands across the divide: Cypriots go where their politicians fear to tread Eide, a former Norwegian foreign minister who is the UN secretary general's special representative, says he does not expect Friday's meeting, the first since talks were stalled last October, to go beyond a "general exchange of views".

The Guardian

Renewal of the expiring Patriot Act powers would come through the USA Freedom Act, a House-passed bill that extends their lifespan in exchange for killing the bulk US phone records surveillance exposed in 2013 by the Guardian, thanks to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Since all it takes for evil to prevail is one good seven-year-old to do nothing, I continued to crack the case wide open: "And what about the tooth fairy?" I got up to tell my sister, but was waylaid by an adult offering me chocolate cake in exchange for my silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

A senior Russian government official – who spoke to Reuters – said separately that Russia has started supplying grain, equipment and construction materials to Iran in exchange for crude oil under a barter deal.

The Guardian

In Queensland, it seems, bands can't wait to queue up to offer support – or at the least, their silence – in exchange for a few dollars.

The Guardian - Music

They exchange telephone numbers and Pooley talks of rescuing his motorbike in Kenema and realising his original plan to travel around Sierra Leone.

The Guardian

As part of anti-graft measures, Buhari also ordered that the currency be replaced, forcing all holders of old notes to exchange them at banks within a limited period.

The Guardian

For example, the average price of a Big Mac in the US this January was $4.79; in China it was only $2.77 at market exchange rates.

The Guardian - Business

Abdullah had proposed peace in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders, pressed for the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and called for a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Guardian

This is a famous exchange, but the reasons for Johnson's asperity, other than that he was fond of exercising it, got lost in the long historical process that forged a new British identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions between people, use "exchange" to denote a reciprocal giving and receiving of ideas, information, or even physical items. This suggests a balanced and mutual interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "exchange" when only one entity is giving or receiving something. "Receive" or "obtain" is more appropriate when there's no reciprocal action.

Linguistic Context

Exchange functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it denotes the act of trading or replacing. As a noun, it refers to the act of exchanging, a place for trading, or a conversation. Ludwig provides examples of both usages, affirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

27%

Travel

4%

Less common in

Science

15%

Opinion

9%

Music

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exchange" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting trade, conversation, or replacement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and business domains, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When aiming for clarity, consider context-specific synonyms such as "trade", "swap", or "conversation". To avoid misusing "exchange", ensure the situation involves a reciprocal action. Overall, "exchange" is a valuable and reliable term for expressing a multitude of interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade

This term is simpler and focuses on the act of swapping items or services.

barter

Specifically refers to trading goods or services without using money.

swap

Implies a mutual giving and receiving of items, often casually.

interchange

Suggests a reciprocal action or process of giving and receiving.

conversation

Refers to a verbal exchange between two or more people.

dialogue

Implies a more formal or structured conversation.

replace

Focuses on substituting one thing for another.

substitute

Similar to replace, but can also imply a temporary change.

convert

Highlights a transformation or change from one form to another.

commute

To transform one payment in another.

FAQs

How can I use "exchange" in a sentence?

You can use "exchange" to refer to trading items, like "They agreed to exchange gifts." It can also describe conversations, as in "They had a brief exchange of words." Additionally, it describes replacement, such as "I want to exchange this shirt for a different size."

What's the difference between "exchange" and "trade"?

"Exchange" often implies a more equal or balanced giving and receiving, while "trade" can sometimes imply a more commercial transaction. You might "exchange" pleasantries, but you'd more likely "trade" stocks.

What can I say instead of "exchange"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trade", "swap", "interchange", "replace", or "substitute". For conversations, consider "dialogue" or "conversation".

Is it correct to say "an exchange of ideas"?

Yes, "an exchange of ideas" is a correct and common usage. It refers to a situation where people share their thoughts and perspectives with each other.