swap

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'swap' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when exchanging or trading something of equal value such as items or information. For example, "We decided to do a swap and both end up with items that we were happy with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even so, after six months of tests to ensure that my body was strong enough to cope with a transplant, it was still a shock to cross that line, to say: "Yes, if I get the chance, I'll swap my lungs for someone else's".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In January and February guests can swap their wetsuits for skis and head to Oukmedian for a couple of days' skiing, staying at a Berber mountain chalet.

The Guardian - Travel

The ancient race of vinyl enthusiasts who had once haunted record stores and swap meets was dying out, superseded by a mutant breed of torrent obsessives.

The Guardian - Books

You could: Volunteer at your local community garden Plant some bee-friendly plants on your doorstep Club together to turn some disused land into a veg patch Invite your neighbours over for a clothes mending session Start a car-share scheme or make a pledge with your neighbours to cycle or walk to work or school Host a clothes swap in your village hall or community centre Think you can do it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They'd swap hundreds of Post-it notes, and long recordings on memory sticks.

The Guardian

The general formula for finding the area of a triangle is area = ½ × base × height which is also equal to area = ½ × a × b × sin C. The choice of which angle is which in all of these equations is of course completely arbitrary, so feel free to swap around a, b and c at will, as long as you also swap A, B and C to make them fit.

WikiHow

We chat, swap addresses and, with promises of photos and postcards, wave the Surenthirans goodbye as they turn off towards their new-build home in Kalkudah village.

The Guardian - Travel

You can swap in dark chocolate if you've less of a sweet tooth, or forgo the chocolate altogether if you're a purist in these things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Webbs' saga started last October and only came about because they decided to swap their already-taxed cars with one another.

The Guardian - Money

Hitler offered to swap him for Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus, who had surrendered at Stalingrad, but Stalin refused.

The Guardian

Turness's appointment would see the 46-year-old swap ITN's headquarters in Gray's Inn Road, central London, the home of ITV News' flagship News at Ten, for NBC's Rockefeller Centre headquarters in midtown Manhattan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context to choose the best synonym for "swap". "Exchange" might be more formal, while "trade" could be more casual.

Common error

Avoid using "swap" when the action is irreversible. For example, you can "swap" shifts at work, but you cannot "swap" a lost opportunity. Use words like "forgo" or "miss" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swap" is as both a verb, denoting the act of exchanging, and a noun, referring to the exchange itself. Ludwig AI examples illustrate both usages, confirming its versatility in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Sport

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swap" is a versatile term used to describe the exchange of items, ideas, or positions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usage across various contexts. It functions as both a verb and a noun, maintaining a neutral formality appropriate for most writing situations. While "swap" is very common in news and lifestyle content, it's crucial to avoid misuse in irreversible situations, opting for synonyms like "exchange" or "trade" depending on the context. Ultimately, understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade places

Emphasizes exchanging positions or roles rather than physical items.

exchange goods

Focuses specifically on the exchange of tangible items.

switch roles

Highlights the alteration of responsibilities or duties between individuals.

barter items

Implies a direct exchange without the use of money.

trade fairly

Incorporates a notion of fairness or equitable exchange.

interchange data

Specifically refers to the exchange of digital information.

transpose elements

Used in a more technical or mathematical context to describe rearranging components.

substitute parts

Implies replacing one component with another, often due to malfunction or upgrade.

alternate turns

Refers to taking turns or alternating in a sequence.

flip over

Describes a quick or abrupt change or exchange, often in a physical context.

FAQs

How can I use "swap" in a sentence?

You can use "swap" to describe exchanging items or experiences, such as, "Let's "swap" recipes" or "I'd like to "swap" seats with you."

What are some alternatives to the word "swap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exchange", "trade", or "switch".

Is it correct to say "swapped out"?

Yes, "swapped out" is a common phrasal verb meaning to replace something with something else, like "I "swapped out" the old tires for new ones."

What is the difference between "swap" and "exchange"?

"Swap" and "exchange" are often interchangeable, but "swap" can imply a more informal or equal exchange, while "exchange" might suggest a more formal or complex transaction.