When it comes to the things we buy and use in our daily lives, there are two categories that they can fall into: necessity and commodity. But what do these two terms really mean, and which one is the proper word to use in different situations?
Let’s define the terms. Necessity refers to something that is essential or required, something that we cannot do without. Commodity, on the other hand, refers to something that is bought and sold, usually for profit, and can be interchangeable with other similar items.
So, is it always clear which category a particular item falls into? Not necessarily. Some things may be both a necessity and a commodity, depending on the context. For example, food is a necessity for survival, but it can also be a commodity when it is bought and sold in the marketplace.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between necessity and commodity, and how they can impact our buying decisions and our overall quality of life.
Define Necessity
Necessity refers to something that is essential or required for survival, well-being, or achieving a specific goal. It is something that cannot be done without, and failure to obtain it can result in negative consequences. Necessities vary depending on the individual and the context in which they exist. For example, food, water, shelter, and clothing are basic necessities for human survival, while education and healthcare are considered necessities for personal growth and development.
Define Commodity
Commodity refers to a good or service that is produced and traded primarily for economic gain. It is something that can be bought and sold in a market, and its value is determined by supply and demand. Commodities can be tangible goods such as gold, oil, or wheat, or intangible goods such as intellectual property or financial instruments. Unlike necessities, commodities are not essential for survival or well-being, and their possession does not guarantee any particular outcome.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to conveying a clear and concise message. The words “necessity” and “commodity” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be understood to use them properly.
How To Use “Necessity” In A Sentence
The word “necessity” refers to something that is essential or required. Here are some examples of how to use “necessity” in a sentence:
- Water is a necessity for human survival.
- Having a reliable car is a necessity for commuting to work.
- Education is a necessity for personal and professional growth.
When using “necessity” in a sentence, it’s important to make sure that the thing being referred to is truly essential and not just a preference or convenience. For example, saying “I need a new phone” is not the same as saying “I need food and water to survive.”
How To Use “Commodity” In A Sentence
The word “commodity” refers to a raw material or product that can be bought and sold. Here are some examples of how to use “commodity” in a sentence:
- Oil is a valuable commodity that is traded on the global market.
- Corn and wheat are commodities that are used to make food products.
- Gold is a commodity that is often used as a store of value.
When using “commodity” in a sentence, it’s important to make sure that the thing being referred to is indeed a raw material or product that can be bought and sold. For example, saying “I consider my time to be a commodity” is a metaphorical use of the word and not a literal one.
More Examples Of Necessity & Commodity Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between necessity and commodity, let’s take a look at some examples of how these words can be used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Necessity In A Sentence
- Water is a necessity for human survival.
- Shelter is a necessity for protection from the elements.
- Food is a necessity for maintaining good health.
- Oxygen is a necessity for breathing.
- Education is a necessity for personal growth and development.
- Medicine is a necessity for treating illnesses and diseases.
- Clothing is a necessity for modesty and protection from the elements.
- Transportation is a necessity for getting to work or school.
- Communication is a necessity for maintaining relationships.
- Electricity is a necessity for powering modern technology.
Examples Of Using Commodity In A Sentence
- Diamonds are a commodity that can be bought and sold for profit.
- Oil is a commodity that is traded on the stock market.
- Gold is a commodity that is often used as a store of value.
- Corn is a commodity that is used to make a variety of food products.
- Copper is a commodity that is used in the production of electronics.
- Coffee is a commodity that is consumed by millions of people around the world.
- Cotton is a commodity that is used to make clothing and textiles.
- Wheat is a commodity that is used to make bread and other food products.
- Natural gas is a commodity that is used for heating and cooking.
- Silver is a commodity that is often used in jewelry and other decorative items.
As you can see, necessity and commodity are two very different concepts. While necessities are essential for survival and well-being, commodities are often bought and sold for profit or used in the production of goods and services.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to discussing the differences between necessity and commodity, there are a few common mistakes that people tend to make. By understanding these mistakes, you can avoid them and ensure that you are using these terms correctly.
Interchanging Necessity And Commodity
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the terms “necessity” and “commodity” interchangeably. While these terms may seem similar at first glance, they actually refer to two very different things.
A necessity is something that is essential or required for survival or basic functioning. This might include things like food, water, shelter, and clothing. On the other hand, a commodity is something that can be bought or sold, such as a product or service.
When you use these terms interchangeably, you may be implying that something that is a commodity is also a necessity, or vice versa. For example, you might say that a luxury car is a necessity, when in reality it is a commodity. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Assuming Necessities Are Universal
Another common mistake is assuming that necessities are universal. While there are certain things that are necessary for human survival, such as food and water, there are other things that may be considered necessities in some cultures or societies but not in others.
For example, air conditioning might be considered a necessity in some parts of the world, but not in others where the climate is cooler. Similarly, certain types of food or clothing may be considered necessities in some cultures, but not in others.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Be clear about what you mean when you use the terms “necessity” and “commodity.”
- Consider the context in which you are using these terms to ensure that you are using them correctly.
- Be aware of cultural differences and avoid assuming that your own experiences are universal.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and following these tips, you can ensure that you are using the terms “necessity” and “commodity” correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
When it comes to making a choice between necessity and commodity, context plays a vital role. Depending on the situation, what may seem like a necessity in one context could be viewed as a commodity in another.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples:
| Context | Explanation | Choice Between Necessity and Commodity |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | When faced with a life-threatening situation, basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter become absolute necessities. | Necessity |
| Personal Preferences | Individuals have different preferences when it comes to luxury items such as designer clothing or expensive jewelry. | Commodity |
| Business | Companies must make decisions based on the economic value of a product or service and its impact on the bottom line. | Commodity |
| Cultural Context | In some cultures, certain items are considered necessities, such as traditional clothing or religious artifacts. | Necessity |
As the examples above demonstrate, the choice between necessity and commodity can vary greatly depending on the context. It is important to consider the specific circumstances and needs of each situation before making a decision.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the distinction between necessity and commodity may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using these terms might not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Cultural Differences
What may be considered a necessity in one culture might be viewed as a commodity in another. For instance, owning a car is often considered a necessity in the United States, but in many European cities, public transportation is sufficient for most people’s needs. Similarly, air conditioning is seen as a necessity in many parts of the United States, but in cooler climates, it might be viewed as a luxury.
2. Personal Preferences
Individuals may have different opinions on what constitutes a necessity or a commodity. For example, one person might view a smartphone as a necessity for communication and work purposes, while another might see it as a luxury item. Similarly, some people might consider designer clothing a necessity, while others view it as a commodity.
3. Emergency Situations
In certain emergency situations, what might typically be considered a commodity can become a necessity. For example, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, access to clean water and food becomes a necessity for survival, even though these items might be viewed as commodities in normal circumstances.
4. Economic Status
For individuals living in poverty, items that are typically viewed as commodities may become necessities. For example, a reliable car might be necessary for someone who lives far from their job and does not have access to public transportation. Similarly, a computer might be necessary for a student who needs to complete assignments online, but cannot afford to use a public computer.
Overall, while the terms necessity and commodity can be useful in distinguishing between items that are essential versus those that are not, there are certain exceptions where these rules may not apply.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of necessity and commodity in sentences is crucial to effective communication. Here are some practice exercises to help you master these concepts:
Exercise 1: Necessity Vs Commodity
For each sentence below, determine whether the underlined word is being used as a necessity or a commodity. Write “N” for necessity and “C” for commodity.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| I need a new phone. | N |
| I want a new phone. | C |
| I have to go to the dentist. | N |
| I like going to the dentist. | C |
| I must finish this project by tomorrow. | N |
| I enjoy working on this project. | C |
Exercise 2: Using Necessity And Commodity
For each sentence below, fill in the blank with either a necessity or a commodity.
- I ________ to buy groceries today.
- My new car is more of a ________ than a necessity.
- It is ________ to wear a seatbelt while driving.
- I ________ to take a break from work.
- This expensive watch is more of a ________ than a necessity.
Answers:
- commodity
- commodity
- necessity
- necessity
- commodity
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of necessity and commodity in sentences. Keep in mind that necessity refers to something that is needed, while commodity refers to something that is desired but not essential.
Conclusion
After exploring the topic of necessity vs commodity in language use, it is clear that language is both a necessity and a commodity. While it is necessary for communication and understanding, it is also a commodity that can be used to convey power, status, and identity.
One key takeaway from this article is the importance of understanding the context in which language is used. Whether it is in a professional setting or a casual conversation, the way we use language can have a significant impact on how we are perceived by others.
Another takeaway is the role of grammar in language use. While some may view grammar as a set of rigid rules, it is actually a tool that can be used to enhance communication and convey meaning more effectively.
Ultimately, the key to using language effectively is to be intentional and thoughtful in our choices. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our communication skills and become more effective communicators in all aspects of our lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.