In English, two common words people often mix up are “bought” and “brought.” These words look and sound similar, but their meanings are quite different. They are both past-tense verbs, but “bought” relates to paying for something, while “brought” refers to carrying or moving something or someone from one place to another.
If you’re unsure about when to use each word, this guide will help clarify their meanings with examples and tips for proper usage.
What’s the Difference Between Bought and Brought?
The key distinction between these two words lies in the actions they describe:
- Bought: This is the past tense of the verb “buy”, meaning to acquire or purchase something by paying for it.
- Brought: This is the past tense of the verb “bring”, meaning to carry, transport, or lead someone or something to a particular place.
Examples to Illustrate the Difference:
- Bought (transaction):
- “I bought a new car yesterday.” (I paid for a new car.)
- Brought (movement):
- “I brought my friend to the party.” (I led or transported my friend to the party.)
A Simple Rule to Remember:
- If money is involved (purchasing something), use bought.
- If movement or transportation is involved, use brought.
Here are clearer examples to emphasize their differences:
- “I bought a cake for the party.” (I paid for the cake.)
- “I brought a cake to the party.” (I carried the cake to the party.)
What Does Bought Mean?
Bought is the past tense and past participle of the verb “buy.” It means to obtain something by paying for it. This word almost always implies a financial transaction.
Examples of Bought in Sentences:
- “I bought a new phone last week.”
- “She bought her mom a beautiful necklace for her birthday.”
- “They bought their dream house in the suburbs.”
Idiomatic Expressions Using Bought:
Sometimes, “bought” is used in non-literal ways, often as part of an idiomatic expression:
- “He bought into the idea.” (He accepted or believed the idea.)
- “She bought some time.” (She delayed or postponed something.)
- “They bought him off.” (They bribed him.)
These idiomatic uses can give the word a figurative meaning, extending beyond the concept of financial payment.
What Does Brought Mean?
Brought is the past tense and past participle of the verb “bring.” It signifies the act of carrying, leading, or transporting something or someone from one place to another.
Examples of Brought in Sentences:
- “I brought my lunch to the office today.”
- “She brought her dog to the park for a walk.”
- “They brought their children to the amusement park over the weekend.”
Idiomatic Expressions Using Brought:
Like “bought,” the word “brought” also appears in several idiomatic expressions:
- “He brought up the topic.” (He mentioned or introduced the topic.)
- “She brought down the house.” (She received a lot of applause or laughter—often referring to a great performance.)
- “They brought him to justice.” (They made him face legal consequences.)
These expressions can give the verb “brought” a more abstract meaning, often disconnected from its literal sense of physically moving something or someone.
Summary Table: Bought vs. Brought
Here’s a quick comparison to help you differentiate between the two words:
| Word | Verb Form | Primary Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bought | Past tense of “buy” | To acquire something by paying for it | “I bought a book online yesterday.” |
| Brought | Past tense of “bring” | To carry or transport something or someone | “I brought my laptop to the meeting.” |
Conclusion
To wrap it up, bought relates to purchasing something, while brought involves carrying or conveying something or someone. Understanding the difference between these two terms will help you avoid confusion in your spoken and written English.
Key Takeaway:
- Use bought when referring to a purchase or transaction.
- Use brought when referring to movement or transportation.
By paying attention to the context of your sentence, you’ll always know which word to use!