Bring vs. take

What does bring mean?

Bring is a verb meaning to take something to a place, bring oneself to do something or cause something to be in a particular state.

For example:

• I’ll bring cake to the party.

• She threatened to bring his whole company down.

• She couldn’t bring herself to break the news.

What does take mean?

Take can be a verb or a noun. As a noun, take means a particular approach to something or the amount gained from something. As a verb, take can mean to hold something with one’s hands, remove something from a particular place, convey something, take or receive something, consume something, undertake a task, use up time, be attracted by something or take root (for plants).

For example:

• She has a unique take on what happened (particular approach).

• I take your point (accept something).

• Take your medications before you leave (consume something).

• Devil ivy’s cuttings take quickly (take root).

What’s the difference between bring and take?

Take and bring have a variety of meanings. Where they are likely to be confused, remember that bring should be used when the action is directed toward the subject, while take should be used when it’s away from the subject. Bring can also mean to take something to a place.

• She decided to take the book home but then she forgot to bring it back.