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Bring vs. Take: What's the Difference?
Quick answer
- Bring means carrying something toward where you (or the listener) are.
- Take means carrying something away to another place.
The difference
Both verbs move things, but in opposite directions. Picture yourself as the point of reference: things come here with bring and go there with take.
Bring
- Usually
- verb
- Think
- come here
- Meaning
- To carry or lead something or someone toward the speaker or listener.
- Example
- Can you bring a salad to my party?
Take
- Usually
- verb
- Think
- go there
- Meaning
- To carry or lead something or someone away to another place.
- Example
- Don't forget to take an umbrella when you leave.
When to use bring
Use bring when the movement ends where the speaker or listener is (or will be).
- Bring your homework tomorrow.
- She brought her dog to our house.
When to use take
Use take when the movement goes away from the speaker toward somewhere else.
- Take these books back to the library.
- I'll take you to the airport.
Remember it
Bring = to me. Take = away from me.
Common mix-up
Incorrect: I'll bring the kids to school before work.
Correct: I'll take the kids to school before work.
You're leaving home and going to school, so the movement is away, take.
The difference in real life
Everyday speech
Many speakers, especially in some parts of the US, use bring for both directions in casual talk. In careful writing, keep the distinction.
Free
Think you've got it?
When you come over tonight, please _____ your guitar.
Please _____ the trash out before you go.
Which is better in formal writing?
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