in trade for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in trade for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when exchanging one thing for another. For example, "I will give you my car in trade for your house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They have been stock in trade for all governments.

The Times

Indeed, getting the geopolitics right is the stock in trade for macro investors like Mr. Bacon.

The New York Times

So we made the deal for him to work in trade for it".

The New York Times

For a change, China was the source of good news in trade for the United States.

The New York Times

Those pitchers would then become overvalued, and could be pawned off in trade for more than their true worth.

The Economist

She took care of her cousin's baby in trade for a place to live, her introduction to the barter economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The stock-in-trade for correspondents, however, has tended to be what are often known as "scoops of interpretation".

The Guardian

TONY FEHER Lapidary installations of impeccably arranged junk have been Feher's stock-in-trade for more than a decade, well before "unmonumental" became the dominant sculptural style.

The New Yorker

Scholars surmise that a jeweler may have buried his stock-in-trade for safekeeping before leaving to fight in the English Civil Wars of 1642 to 1651.

The New York Times

His stock-in-trade for the past three decades has been relentlessly questioning every piece of received kitchen wisdom, making and revising classic American recipes dozens — if necessary, hundreds — of times until they reach their Platonic ideal.

The New York Times - Books

Stock-in-trade for a film, but what about that role in the world of art?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in trade for", ensure that the exchange is clear and mutually understood. Specify both items being traded to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in trade for" when a simple preposition like "for" or "with" suffices. "In trade for" emphasizes a direct exchange, so don't use it if you're simply describing a relationship or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in trade for" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating an exchange or substitution. It modifies a verb or noun, specifying what is given or received in return for something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in trade for" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a direct exchange or barter. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various sources, although with limited frequency. While the phrase is generally neutral, "in exchange for" may suit more formal contexts. When using "in trade for", ensure the items being exchanged are clear to avoid confusion. Remember, it is best used when emphasizing the reciprocal nature of a transaction, as it indicates that one thing is provided or given up in order to obtain something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in exchange for

This alternative directly replaces "trade" with "exchange", emphasizing the act of swapping items.

in return for

This phrase focuses on the reciprocal aspect of the exchange, suggesting a give-and-take relationship.

as a substitute for

This alternative highlights the replacement aspect, where one thing takes the place of another.

as payment for

This alternative highlights the concept of payment being made through an exchange.

in consideration for

This alternative implies a more formal agreement where something is given as a form of payment or compensation.

in place of

This emphasizes the act of one item substituting another, often due to unavailability or preference.

for the price of

This alternative is used when referring to the item that is "bought" with something else instead of money.

to compensate for

This phrase highlights that an action or object is provided to reduce damage or loss.

giving up something for

This one puts emphasis on the fact that one part is giving away something in order to get something else.

bartering for

This suggests a transaction without the use of money.

FAQs

How to use "in trade for" in a sentence?

Use "in trade for" to show an exchange of goods or services. For example, "She offered her skills "in trade for" room and board".

What can I say instead of "in trade for"?

You can use alternatives like "in exchange for", "as a substitute for", or "in return for" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "in trade for" and "for"?

"In trade for" specifies a direct exchange, while "for" can indicate purpose, reason, or recipient. Use "in trade for" when highlighting a swap of items or services.

Is "in trade for" formal or informal?

"In trade for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though "in exchange for" might be preferred in very formal settings.