When it comes to words that are often confused, “bring” and “take” are at the top of the list. They both have multiple meanings, but people tend to use them interchangeably. In order to help clear up the confusion, let’s take a closer look at the definitions and differences between these two words.
What is Bring?
Bring can mean multiple things depending on the context in which it is used. Bring can be used as a verb meaning to carry, transport, or convey someone or something to a particular place, typically using effort or force. For example, you might say, “I’m going to bring my laptop to the coffee shop so I can get some work done.” Bring can also be used as an adjective meaning causing something to happen as a result of an action or event. For example, you might say “The new software update is bringing a lot of changes to the company.” In this sentence, Bring is acting as an adjective to describe the change that is happening.
What is Take?
Take is a versatile word with many different definitions. It can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective, and has a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Take can mean to grasp or seize something, to carry out or perform an action, to consume food or drink, or to copulate with someone. It can also refer to an amount of time, an object that has been stolen, or an act of regression. Take can also be used as a synonym for giving, such as when two people take turns doing something. No matter how it is used, take is a word that is sure to add meaning to any conversation.
Difference between Bring and Take
Bring and Take are both words that indicate movement. Bring means to carry or cause something to come with you to the speaker or some other location. Take means to carry or cause something to go with you from the speaker or some other location.
- Both words can be used transitively or Intransitively. When used Transitively, Bring takes a Direct Object, and Take takes an Indirect Object. For example, “Can you Bring me a drink?” Bring is used here because it is bringing the drink TO me. “Can you Take the drink TO him?” Take is used here because it is taking the drink FROM me TO him.
- When used Intransitively, Bring does not take an object and Take takes either a Direct Object or an Indirect Object. Bring can be used when something comes WITH someone. An example would be, “He’s bringing his friends WITH him.” No object is needed after Bring because Bring already shows movement.
- Take can also show movement without an object, but when an object is present, it will be either a Direct or Indirect Object depending on where the speaker wants the person or thing to go. If the speaker wants the person or thing to come TO them, they would use Bring.
If the speaker wants the person or thing to go AWAY FROM them, they would use Take. An example of this would be if someone were bringing you a gift. The gifter would say “I’ll Bring it TO you later.” But if someone were taking away your gift, they might say “I’ll take it FROM you now.”
Conclusion
The next time you’re making a purchase, remember the difference between bring and take. If you want to bring an item home with you, make sure to say “I’d like to bring this home with me”. This will ensure that the salesperson understands your intentions and can help you get what you need. And if there are any items you don’t want to take with you, be sure to let the salesperson know – they may be able to get them out of your way so the process is faster and smoother for both of you. Thanks for reading!
