Cool MateResource vs Supply
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Resource
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Supply
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Resource | Supply | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈsɔːs//rɪˈzɔːs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈriːsɔːrs//rɪˈsɔːrs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈplaɪ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈplaɪ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that can be used to help or support you. | to give or provide something that is needed |
| Example | The company has many resources available for training employees. | The company is struggling to meet the demand for their product due to a shortage in supply. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | abundant, considerable, enormous, be rich in, have, lack, centre/center, base, guide, access to resources, the allocation of resources, the distribution of resources, abundant, considerable, enormous, be rich in, have, lack, centre/center, base, guide, access to resources, the allocation of resources, the distribution of resources, abundant, considerable, enormous, be rich in, have, lack, centre/center, base, guide, access to resources, the allocation of resources, the distribution of resources | total, available, endless, have, get, lay in, increase, fall, exceed demand, chain, line, network, supply of, supply to, be in short supply, demand and supply, supply and demand, abundant, plentiful, limited, bring, bring in, lay in, hold out, last, be depleted, supply of |
| Antonyms | depletion, loss | demand, deprivation |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'source'; 'resource' is about aid or support., Using 'resources' incorrectly as a singular noun., Overuse of the term in casual contexts where simpler words may fit better. | Confusing with 'supplement' when more than just providing is meant, Using as a noun instead of a verb, e.g., 'to supply' vs 'the supply', Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses |
| Usage notes | Use 'resource' in contexts related to materials, information, or support systems. It's appropriate in both academic and everyday discussions but may be less common in casual conversation. | Use 'supply' when referring to providing goods or resources. It is neutral and can be used in business, education, and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Resource vs Supply
What's the difference between Resource and Supply?
Resource: Something that can be used to help or support you. Supply: to give or provide something that is needed
Are Resource and Supply the same CEFR level?
Resource: B1, Supply: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Resource and Supply interchangeably?
Not always. Resource and Supply are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.