to buy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to buy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of purchasing something. Example: "I plan to buy a new laptop next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To buy".

The New Yorker

To buy or not to buy?

The New York Times

Looking to buy?

Independent

Something else to buy?

The New York Times

They decided to buy.

The New York Times

To buy real estate.

The New York Times

Merely to buy them.

The Economist

Upgrade to buy.

The Guardian - Business

"Got to buy that".

The New Yorker

To buy new skin.

The New York Times

But what to buy?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to buy" when referring to a straightforward purchase. For formal contexts, consider "to purchase" or "to acquire".

Common error

Avoid using "to buy" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "to procure" or "to obtain" to enhance the text's professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to buy" functions as an infinitive verb, indicating the action of purchasing or acquiring something. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable in written English. This is supported by examples where it's used to express intention or possibility, such as "Looking to buy?" or "Want to buy some flowers?".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to buy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the action of purchasing. Ludwig confirms its correctness and versatility. While it is most commonly found in news and media, and is also prevalent in wikis and academia, it can also be useful in more formal or business contexts. For heightened formality, alternatives like "to purchase" or "to acquire" may be more suitable. Ensure that you are not overusing "to buy" in formal writing, and that you are considering other options for better writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to purchase

A more formal synonym for "to buy", suitable for business or academic contexts.

to acquire

Suggests obtaining something, often through effort or investment.

to obtain

Implies gaining possession of something, regardless of the method.

to get

An informal way of saying "to buy", suitable for casual conversation.

to invest in

Focuses on the aspect of spending money with the expectation of future benefit.

to pick up

An informal phrase indicating the acquisition of something, often on the way or casually.

to procure

A formal term for obtaining something, often implying careful or official means.

to secure

Implies obtaining something with a degree of certainty or effort against competition.

to come by

Suggests obtaining something, often implying it was not easy or straightforward.

to shop for

Specifically refers to the act of looking for something to buy.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "to buy"?

You can use alternatives such as "to purchase", "to acquire", or "to obtain", depending on the context and formality required.

How do I use "to buy" correctly in a sentence?

Use "to buy" followed by the object you intend to purchase. For example, "I need to buy groceries" or "She went to buy a new dress."

Is there a difference between "to buy" and "to purchase"?

While both mean acquiring something in exchange for money, "to purchase" is generally considered more formal than "to buy" and is often used in business or legal contexts.

When should I use "to buy" versus "to invest in"?

"To buy" is a general term for purchasing, while "to invest in" implies purchasing something with the expectation of future benefits or returns. For instance, you "buy" groceries, but you "invest in" stocks.