Brought vs. Bought – Which is Correct?

The words brought and bought can often confuse many English speakers due to their similar pronunciations and spellings. However, they have distinct meanings and usages in the English language. Understanding the correct context for each word will enhance your communication skills and prevent misunderstandings.

brought or bought – Which is Correct?

The word brought is the past tense of the verb brought, which means to carry, lead, or cause something to come to a specific place. Conversely, bought is the past tense of the verb buy, meaning to acquire something in exchange for money. Therefore, they are both correct in their own right but must be used in appropriate contexts.

Word	When to Use	Example
brought	Use when referring to the act of carrying or delivering something to a location.	She brought cookies to the party.
bought	Use when referring to the act of purchasing something.	He bought a new car last week.

How to Use brought

To use brought correctly, think of it as an action showcasing transfer or delivery of items or responsibilities. It relates to bringing something to someone or to a specific place.

Example 1: My friend brought a gift for my birthday.

Example 2: The teacher brought the students to the museum.

Example 3: She brought all her belongings with her when she moved.

What are the different forms of brought?

Brought is the past tense and past participle form of the verb brought. Its base form is bring, and the present participle is bringing. The future tense form is will bring.

Etymology of the word brought

The word brought originates from the Old English word brengan, which means “to bring.” It is related to various Germanic languages, illustrating the historical development of the term.

How to Use bought

To use bought properly, you should associate it with transactions where items or services are paid for, denoting acquisition through monetary exchange.

Example 1: She bought a new dress for the occasion.

Example 2: They bought groceries on their way home.

Example 3: He bought a subscription to the magazine.

What are the different forms of bought?

Bought is the past tense and past participle of the verb buy. The base form is buy, the present participle is buying, and the future tense form is will buy.

Etymology of the word bought

The word bought comes from the Old English bycgan, which means “to buy” or “to purchase.” Its evolution reflects the changes within the English language over centuries.

Practice Exercises

1. She has __________ a new laptop for her studies.
2. He __________ pizza to the party last night.
3. They __________ their tickets online.
4. Maria __________ her favorite book from the store.
5. Can you tell me who __________ the dessert to the gathering?

Answer Key

1. bought
2. brought
3. bought
4. bought
5. brought

brought Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
delivered	To bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, etc.) to the intended recipient.
carried	To support and move someone or something from one place to another.

bought Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
purchased	To acquire goods or services in exchange for payment.
acquired	To obtain or receive something.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between brought and bought is essential for proper communication in English. They represent distinct actions—bringing and buying. Know when to use each to convey your message accurately.