Hello my little darlings!

When I originally started this blog, I wanted to address mainly common mistakes that irritate me (such as not knowing the difference between “your” and “you’re”, because… COME ON!) Yet, as I’ve received feedback from my lovely readers, I’ve realized that:

(a) there are certain mistakes I should be more understanding about, because not everyone is a native English speaker (and quite honestly, I should’ve remembered that, since I’m not a native English speaker either); and

(b) there are some confusing grammar rules that I hadn’t even thought about. Today we’re discussing one of those common mistakes.

Bring vs. Take

This specific request was done by a lovely reader by the name of Sheila. She is fantastic because she’s run the Boston Marathon (bow down, commoners!)

Ok, so let’s say you’re going to a potluck party to celebrate something really cool and impressive, like the existence of Justin Trudeau. The hostess makes it clear on the e-vite that it’s a potluck, i.e. “Please bring a dish we can all share.”

When a person asks someone to bring them something, they’re asking for a specific item to be moved/brought towards them (if you’re the one doing the asking, then it’s towards you): “Honey, can you please bring me a glass of water?” 

If something is being moved away, they’re taking it; i.e. “Honey, can you please take this fruit platter back to the kitchen?”

When you call your spouse while he or she is at the grocery store, would you say: “Don’t forget to bring avocados!” or “Don’t forget to take avocados”?

You’d remind him or her to bring the avocados to you.
If he were taking them somewhere, he’s moving them away from you.

What if I’m coming along with the object?

Ok. So what if the object is neither moving towards you or away from you? What if you’re packing for a trip to Paris and say: “I’m bringing this with me”, referring to your favorite dress?

Use the same reasoning: If the object’s point of origin is your home, you say: “I’m bringing this with me.” If, once you’re in Europe, you find a pair of Loubotins that make your heart sing with joy, you’d say “I’m taking them with me,” (after you purchase them, of course), because you’re taking them from your destination, back to your point of origin.

I hope this clear things up.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

Much love,

The Fairy Godwriter