Difference between match and suit

[Viviana]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #63 "Synonyms for adapt", question 3

I like this coat very much because it ......... my shoes, they are the same colour.

(a) fits
(b) matches
(c) suits
(d) corresponds

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #63 "Synonyms for adapt", answer 3

I like this coat very much because it matches my shoes, they are the same colour.

Correct answer: (b) matches

Your answer was: incorrect
I like this coat very much because it suits my shoes, they are the same colour.
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What is the difference between match and suit?

Viviana

[Daniela]

Dear Viviana,
If something matches something it means that it corresponds to it. For example, if the coat matches the shoes (in this example) they are probably of the same colour and they go together very well. You can also be a match with a person, meaning that you make a very good couple together. If you want to match things/ people, you always need a pair/ a couple/ two things.
Suit is more like fit, meeting certain requirements. For example, if something suits you, it means that it satisfies you, it is according to your plans and ideas. If you arrange to see someone, you can ask “Does 5 o’clock suit you?” which means “Is 5 o’clock ok with you, is it according to your plan?”
Daniela
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[Tom]

I

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

You seem to have taken on the role of "punctuation police". I would agree with you, though, that a semicolon or an m-dash would be better in this sentence.

Amy
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English