Give vs. Take: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Give" means to freely transfer something to someone, while "take" refers to acquiring or receiving something from someone, often actively.
Key Differences
Give" implies a voluntary action of transferring possession, often without expecting something in return. In contrast, "take" involves obtaining or receiving something, which can be either voluntary or involuntary, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Give" is often associated with generosity or a charitable act, suggesting a benevolent transfer. "Take," however, can imply a range of actions from accepting a gift to seizing something without permission.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In the context of relationships, "give" often refers to offering support, love, or understanding. Conversely, "take" in relationships can mean accepting these offerings or, negatively, exploiting the other person's generosity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Give" can also mean to yield or allow space, as in giving way. "Take," in a different aspect, can refer to understanding or interpreting something in a particular way.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
"Give" is used in expressions that imply relinquishment, like giving up or giving in. "Take" is used in phrases that suggest acquisition or control, such as taking over or taking charge.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To freely transfer something to someone.
To acquire or receive something from someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Implication
Often associated with generosity or charity.
Can imply a range of acquiring actions, from accepting to seizing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Contextual Use
In relationships, refers to offering support or love.
In relationships, means accepting support or, sometimes, exploitation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Alternative Meanings
To yield or allow space (e.g., give way).
To understand or interpret something (e.g., take a joke).
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Expressions
Used in phrases implying relinquishment (e.g., give up).
Used in phrases suggesting acquisition or control (e.g., take charge).
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Give and Take Definitions
Give
To present voluntarily without expecting anything in return.
She decided to give her old books to the library.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Take
To absorb or assimilate (knowledge, information, etc.).
It's important to take the lessons learned from this experience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Give
To yield under pressure.
The old bridge might give if too much weight is put on it.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Take
To require or use up (time or space).
The project will take at least two months to complete.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Take
To seize with authority or legal right
The town took the land by eminent domain.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To get possession of (fish or game, for example) by capturing or killing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To deliver in exchange or recompense; pay
Gave five dollars for the book.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(Sports) To catch or receive (a ball or puck)
The player took the pass on the fly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To let go for a price; sell
Gave the used car away for two thousand dollars.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
Sports & Games To acquire in a game or competition; win
Took the crown in horse racing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To remove with the hands or an instrument
I took the dishes from the sink. The dentist took two molars.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To bestow, especially officially; confer
The Bill of Rights gives us freedom of speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To put temporarily at the disposal of
Gave them the cottage for a week.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To entrust to another, usually for a specified reason
Gave me the keys for safekeeping.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To deal a blow to; strike or hit
The boxer took his opponent a sharp jab to the ribs.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To communicate, convey, or offer for conveyance
Give him my best wishes. Give us the latest news.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To endure the loss of; sacrifice
Gave her son to the war.
Gave her life for her country.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To catch or affect with a particular action
Your remark took me by surprise.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To carry in one's possession
Don't forget to take your umbrella. See Usage Note at bring.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To lead or cause to go along to another place
The guide took us to the waterfall.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To be as a path or course for; provide a way for
The trail takes you to the lake.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To put (food or drink, for example) into the body; eat or drink
Took a little soup for dinner.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To expose one's body to (healthful or pleasurable treatment, for example)
Take the sun.
Take the waters at a spa.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To move into or assume occupancy of
She took a seat by the fireplace. The team took the field.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To submit for consideration, acceptance, or use
Give an opinion.
Give an excuse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To choose for one's own use; avail oneself of the use of
We took a room in the cheaper hotel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To require the use of (something)
It takes money to live in this town. This camera takes 35-millimeter film.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To consent to engage (oneself) in sexual intercourse with another person.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To use (something) as a means of conveyance or transportation
Take a train to Pittsburgh.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To use (something) as a means of safety or refuge
Take shelter from the storm.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To choose and then adopt (a particular route or direction) while on foot or while operating a vehicle
Take a right at the next corner. I downshifted to take the corner.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To be a source of; afford
His remark gave offense. Music gives her pleasure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To perceive or become aware of by one of the senses
Took a quick look at the sky.
Took a smell of the spices.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To cause to catch or be subject to (a disease or bodily condition)
The draft gave me a cold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To commit and apply oneself to the study of
Take art lessons.
Take Spanish.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To guide or direct, as by persuasion or behavior. Used with an infinitive phrase
You gave me to imagine you approved of my report.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept (something owed, offered, or given) either reluctantly or willingly
Take a bribe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To allow to come in; give access or admission to; admit
The boat took a lot of water but remained afloat.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To manifest or show
Gives promise of brilliance.
Gave evidence of tampering.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To submit to (something inflicted); undergo or suffer
Didn't take his punishment well.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To put up with; endure or tolerate
I've had about all I can take from them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To take an interest to the extent of
"My dear, I don't give a damn" (Margaret Mitchell).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To receive into a particular relation or association, as into one's care or keeping
They plan to take a new partner into the firm. We took the dog for a week.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To agree to undertake or engage in (a task or duty, for example)
She took the position of chair of the committee.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To collapse from force or pressure
The roof gave under the weight of the snow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To be hit or penetrated by
Took a lot of punches.
Took a bullet in the leg.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To require or have as a fitting or proper accompaniment
Transitive verbs take a direct object.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
The quality or condition of resilience; springiness
"Fruits that have some give ... will have more juice than hard ones" (Elizabeth Schneider).
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept as true; believe
I'll take your word that he's telling the truth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
(ditransitive) To move, shift, provide something abstract or concrete to someone or something or somewhere.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To transfer one's possession or holding of (something) to (someone).
I gave him my coat.
I gave my coat to the beggar.
When they asked, I gave my coat.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To make a present or gift of.
I'm going to give my wife a necklace for her birthday.
She gave a pair of shoes to her husband for their anniversary.
He gives of his energies to the organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept or adopt as one's own
Take a stand on an issue.
Take an interest in local history.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To regard or consider in a particular relation or from a particular viewpoint
We must take the bitter with the sweet. Take the matter as settled.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To provide (something) to (someone), to allow or afford.
I gave them permission to miss tomorrow's class.
Please give me some more time.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To understand or interpret
May I take your smile as an indication of approval?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To cause (a sensation or feeling) to exist in.
It gives me a lot of pleasure to be here tonight.
The fence gave me an electric shock.
My mother-in-law gives me nothing but grief.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To carry out (a physical interaction) with (something).
I want to give you a kiss.
She gave him a hug.
I'd like to give the tire a kick.
I gave the boy a push on the swing.
She gave me a wink afterwards, so I knew she was joking.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To perceive or feel; experience
I took a dislike to my neighbor's intrusions.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To pass (something) into (someone's hand, etc.).
Give me your hand.
On entering the house, he gave his coat to the doorman.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To obtain from a source; derive or draw
This book takes its title from the Bible.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To cause (a disease or condition) in, or to transmit (a disease or condition) to.
My boyfriend gave me chlamydia.
He was convinced that it was his alcoholism that gave him cancer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To obtain, as through measurement or a specified procedure
Took the patient's temperature.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
(transitive) To provide, as, a service or a broadcast.
They're giving my favorite show!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To write or make a record of, especially in shorthand or cursive writing
Take a letter.
Take notes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
(ditransitive) To estimate or predict (a duration or probability) for (something).
I give it ten minutes before he gives up.
I give it a 95% chance of success.
I'll give their marriage six months.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To create (an image, likeness, or representation), as by photography
Took a picture of us.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
(intransitive) To yield or collapse under pressure or force.
One pillar gave, then more, and suddenly the whole floor pancaked onto the floor below.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
(intransitive) To lead (onto or into).
The master bedroom gives onto a spacious balcony.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
To get something into one's possession; acquire possession
The invaders took and took, until they had everything.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to yield.
The number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept or receive something
When it comes to advice, you take but you never give.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To allow or admit by way of supposition; to concede.
He can be bad-tempered, I'll give you that, but he's a hard worker.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To gain popularity or favor
The television series never took and was later canceled.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To communicate or announce (advice, tidings, etc.); to pronounce or utter (an opinion, a judgment, a shout, etc.).
The umpire finally gave his decision: the ball was out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(Regional) To begin or engage in an activity
He took and threw the money in the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To grant power, permission, destiny, etc. (especially to a person); to allot; to allow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
(reflexive) To devote or apply (oneself).
The soldiers give themselves to plunder.
That boy is given to fits of bad temper.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
A quantity collected at one time, especially the amount of profit or receipts taken on a business venture or from ticket sales at a sporting event.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
The number of fish, game birds, or other animals killed or captured at one time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
(slang) To be going on, to be occurring; what gives?
Your outfit is giving!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
A performer's reaction, especially to a specific situation or remark, as part of a comedy routine. Often used in combination
A double-take.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
The amount of bending that something undergoes when a force is applied to it; a tendency to yield under pressure; resilence.
This chair doesn't have much give.
There is no give in his dogmatic religious beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
A physical reaction, such as a rash, indicating a successful vaccination.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To bestow without receiving a return; to confer without compensation; to impart, as a possession; to grant, as authority or permission; to yield up or allow.
For generous lords had rather give than pay.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To yield possesion of; to deliver over, as property, in exchange for something; to pay; as, we give the value of what we buy.
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To yield; to furnish; to produce; to emit; as, flint and steel give sparks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
An interpretation or assessment, as of an event
The mayor was asked for her take on the judge's decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To communicate or announce, as advice, tidings, etc.; to pronounce; to render or utter, as an opinion, a judgment, a sentence, a shout, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To get into one's hands, possession, or control, with or without force.
They took Charlton's gun from his cold, dead hands.
I'll take that plate off the table.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To grant power or license to; to permit; to allow; to license; to commission.
It is given me once again to behold my friend.
Then give thy friend to shed the sacred wine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To seize or capture.
Take the guards prisoner
Take prisoners
After a bloody battle, they were able to take the city.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to show; as, the number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To catch or get possession of (fish or game).
Took ten catfish in one afternoon
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To devote; to apply; used reflexively, to devote or apply one's self; as, the soldiers give themselves to plunder; also in this sense used very frequently in the past participle; as, the people are given to luxury and pleasure; the youth is given to study.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To catch the ball; especially as a wicket-keeper and after the batsman has missed or edged it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To set forth as a known quantity or a known relation, or as a premise from which to reason; - used principally in the passive form given.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To appropriate or transfer into one's own possession, sometimes by physically carrying off.
Billy took her pencil.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To attribute; to assign; to adjudge.
I don't wonder at people's giving him to me as a lover.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To capture or win (a piece or trick) in a game.
Took the next two tricks
Took Smith's rook
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To excite or cause to exist, as a sensation; as, to give offense; to give pleasure or pain.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To receive or accept (something) (especially something given or bestowed, awarded, etc).
Took third place
Took bribes
The camera takes 35mm film.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To receive or accept (something) as payment or compensation.
The store doesn't take checks.
She wouldn't take any money for her help.
Do you take credit?
The vending machine only takes bills, it doesn't take coins.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To cause; to make; - with the infinitive; as, to give one to understand, to know, etc.
But there the duke was given to understandThat in a gondola were seen togetherLorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To afford a view of; as, his window gave the park.
Whatsoever we employ in charitable uses during our lives, is given away from ourselves.
I fear our ears have given us the bag.
One that gives out himself Prince Florizel.
Give out you are of Epidamnum.
The Babylonians had given themselves over to all manner of vice.
He has . . . given upFor certain drops of salt, your city Rome.
I'll not state themBy giving up their characters.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To receive into some relationship.
Take a wife
The school only takes new students in the fall.
The therapist wouldn't take him as a client.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To yield to force or pressure; to relax; to become less rigid; as, the earth gives under the feet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To remove or end by death; to kill.
The earthquake took many lives.
The plague took rich and poor alike.
Cancer took her life.
He took his life last night.
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To subtract.
Take one from three and you are left with two.
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
To shed tears; to weep.
Whose eyes do never giveBut through lust and laughter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To have a misgiving.
My mind gives ye're reservedTo rob poor market women.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To open; to lead.
This, yielding, gave into a grassy walk.
They gave back and came no farther.
The Scots battalion was enforced to give in.
This consideration may induce a translator to give in to those general phrases.
Rooms which gave upon a pillared porch.
The gloomy staircase on which the grating gave.
It would be well for all authors, if they knew when to give over, and to desist from any further pursuits after fame.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To defeat (someone or something) in a fight.
Don't try to take that guy. He's bigger than you.
The woman guarding us looks like a professional, but I can take her!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
The elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
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Oct 19, 2023
Give
Cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense;
She gave him a black eye
The draft gave me a cold
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To select or choose; to pick.
Take whichever bag you like.
She took the best men with her and left the rest to garrison the city.
I'll take the blue plates.
I'll take two sugars in my coffee, please.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Be the cause or source of;
He gave me a lot of trouble
Our meeting afforded much interesting information
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To adopt (select) as one's own.
She took his side in every argument.
Take a stand on the important issues
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Transfer possession of something concrete or abstract to somebody;
I gave her my money
Can you give me lessons?
She gave the children lots of love and tender loving care
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To carry or lead (something or someone).
She took her sword with her everywhere she went.
I'll take the plate with me.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To transport or carry; to convey to another place.
The next bus will take you to Metz.
I took him for a ride
I took him down to London.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow;
Don't pay him any mind
Give the orders
Give him my best regards
Pay attention
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To lead (to a place); to serve as a means of reaching.
These stairs take you down to the basement.
Stone Street took us right past the store.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
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Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To pass (or attempt to pass) through or around.
She took the steps two or three at a time/
He took the curve / corner too fast.
The pony took every hedge and fence in its path.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Convey or communicate; of a smile, a look, a physical gesture;
Throw a glance
She gave me a dirty look
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To escort or conduct (a person).
He took her to lunch at the new restaurant, took her to the movies, and then took her home.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To use as a means of transportation.
Take the ferry
I took a plane.
He took the bus to London, and then took a train to Manchester.
He's 96 but he still takes the stairs.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Give or supply;
The cow brings in 5 liters of milk
This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn
The estate renders some revenue for the family
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To obtain for use by payment or lease.
She took a condo at the beach for the summer.
He took a full-page ad in the Times.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Tell or deposit (information) knowledge;
Give a secret to the Russians
Leave your name and address here
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To obtain or receive regularly by (paid) subscription.
They took two magazines.
I used to take The Sunday Times.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Leave with; give temporarily;
Can I give you my keys while I go in the pool?
Can I give you the children for the weekend?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To receive (medicine) into one's body, e.g. by inhalation or swallowing; to ingest.
Take two of these and call me in the morning
Take the blue pill
I take aspirin every day to thin my blood.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To partake of (food or drink); to consume.
The general took dinner at seven o'clock.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Endure the loss of;
He gave his life for his children
I gave two sons to the war
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To undergo; to put oneself into, to be subjected to.
Take sun-baths
Take a shower
She made the decision to take chemotherapy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To experience or feel.
She takes pride in her work.
I take offence at that.
To take a dislike
To take pleasure in his opponent's death
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To submit to; to endure (without ill humor, resentment, or physical failure).
Took a pay cut
Take a joke
If you're in an abusive relationship, don't just sit and take it; you can get help.
The hull took a lot of punishment before it broke.
I can take the noise, but I can't take the smell.
That truck bed will only take two tons.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Give or convey physically;
She gave him First Aid
I gave him a punch in the nose
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To suffer; to endure (a hardship or damage).
The ship took a direct hit and was destroyed.
Her career took a hit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To participate in.
She took a vacation to France but spent the whole time feeling miserable that her husband couldn't be there with her.
Aren't you supposed to take your math final today?
Despite my misgivings, I decided to take a meeting with the Russian lawyer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To cause to change to a specified state or condition.
He had to take it apart to fix it.
She took down her opponent in two minutes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Move in order to make room for someone for something;
The park gave way to a supermarket
`Move over,' he told the crowd
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Give food to;
Feed the starving children in India
Don't give the child this tough meat
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To conclude or form (a decision or an opinion) in the mind.
Took the decision to close its last remaining outlet
Took a dim view of city officials
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To understand (especially in a specified way).
Don't take my comments as an insult.
If she took my meaning
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Break down, literally or metaphorically;
The wall collapsed
The business collapsed
The dam broke
The roof collapsed
The wall gave in
The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To accept or be given (rightly or wrongly); assume (especially as if by right).
He took all the credit for the project, although he had done almost none of the work.
She took the blame, in the public's eyes, although the debacle was more her husband's fault than her own.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Estimate the duration or outcome of something;
He gave the patient three months to live
I gave him a very good chance at success
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To believe, to accept the statements of.
Take her word for it
Take him at his word
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To assume or suppose; to reckon; to regard or consider.
Take it from her comments she won't be there.
I took him to be a person of honor.
He was often taken to be a man of means.
Do you take me for a fool?
Do you take me to be stupid?
Looking at him as he came into the room, I took him for his father.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Deliver in exchange or recompense;
I'll give you three books for four CDs
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To draw, derive, or deduce (a meaning from something).
I'm not sure what moral to take from that story.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Afford access to;
The door opens to the patio
The French doors give onto a terrace
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To derive (as a title); to obtain from a source.
"As I Lay Dying" takes its title from Book XI of Homer's "Odyssey"
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To come upon or catch (in a particular state or situation).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To captivate or charm; to gain or secure the interest or affection of.
Took her fancy
Took her attention
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To absorb or be impregnated by (dye, ink, etc); to be susceptible to being treated by (polish, etc).
Cloth that takes dye well
Paper that takes ink
The leather that takes a certain kind of polish
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Manifest or show;
This student gives promise of real creativity
The office gave evidence of tampering
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To require.
It takes a while to get used to the smell.
Looks like it's gonna take a taller person to get that down.
Finishing this on schedule will take a lot of overtime.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Submit for consideration, judgment, or use;
Give one's opinion
Give an excuse
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To fill, to use up (time or space).
Hunting that whale takes most of his free time.
His collection takes a lot of space.
The trip will take about ten minutes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Guide or direct, as by behavior of persuasion;
You gave me to think that you agreed with me
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To avail oneself of.
He took that opportunity to leave France.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To practice; perform; execute; carry out; do.
Take a walk
Take action/steps/measures to fight drug abuse
Take a trip
Take aim
Take the tempo slowly
The kick is taken from where the foul occurred.
Pirès ran in to take the kick.
The throw-in is taken from the point where the ball crossed the touch-line.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Inflict as a punishment;
She gave the boy a good spanking
The judge gave me 10 years
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To assume (a form).
Took the form of a duck
Took shape
A god taking the likeness of a bird
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
Consent to engage in sexual intercourse with a man;
She gave herself to many men
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To assume and undertake the duties of (a job, an office, etc).
Take office
Take the throne
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Give
To provide or supply something.
The tree gives shade during hot summer days.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Take
(transitive) To move into.
The witness took the stand
The next team took the field
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To go into, through, or along.
Go down two blocks and take the next left
Take the path of least resistance
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To have and use one's recourse to.
Take cover/shelter/refuge
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To ascertain or determine by measurement, examination or inquiry.
Take her pulse / temperature / blood pressure
Take a census
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To write down; to get in, or as if in, writing.
He took a mental inventory of his supplies.
She took careful notes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To make (a photograph, film, or other reproduction of something).
She took a video of their encounter.
Could you take a picture of us?
The police took his fingerprints.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To take a picture, photograph, etc of (a person, scene, etc).
The photographer will take you sitting down.
To take a group/scene
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To obtain money from, especially by swindling.
Took me for ten grand
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To apply oneself to the study of.
As a child, she took ballet.
I plan to take math, physics, literature and flower arrangement this semester.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(transitive) To consider in a particular way, or to consider as an example.
I've had a lot of problems recently: take last Monday, for example. My car broke down on the way to work. Then ... etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To decline to swing at (a pitched ball); to refrain from hitting at, and allow to pass.
He'll probably take this one.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To have to be used with (a certain grammatical form, etc).
This verb takes the dative; that verb takes the genitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept (zero or more arguments).
The function takes two arguments, an array of size n and an integer k.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(intransitive) To get or accept (something) into one's possession.
My husband and I have a dysfunctional marriage. He just takes and takes; he never gives.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(Of ink; dye; etc.) To adhere or be absorbed properly.
The dye didn't take
Boiling pasta with a bit of the sauce in the water will help the sauce "take."
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To begin to grow after being grafted or planted; to take root, take hold.
Not all grafts take
I started some tomato seeds last spring, but they didn't take.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To become; to be affected in a specified way.
They took ill within 3 hours.
She took sick with the flu.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To give or deliver (a blow, to someone); to strike or hit.
He took me a blow on the head.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Money that is taken in, (legal or illegal) proceeds, income; (in particular) profits.
He wants half of the take if he helps with the job.
The mayor is on the take.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
The or a quantity of fish, game animals or pelts, etc which have been taken at one time; catch.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
An interpretation or view, opinion or assessment; perspective; a statement expressing such a position.
What's your take on this issue, Fred?
Another unsolicited maths take: talking about quotients in terms of "equivalence classes" or cosets is really unnatural.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(film) A scene recorded (filmed) at one time, without an interruption or break; a recording of such a scene.
It's a take.
Act seven, scene three, take two.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
(music) A recording of a musical performance made during an uninterrupted single recording period.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
A visible (facial) response to something, especially something unexpected; a facial gesture in response to an event.
Did a double-take and then a triple-take
I did a take when I saw the new car in the driveway.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
A catch of the ball (in cricket, especially one by the wicket-keeper).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
In an active sense; To lay hold of; to seize with the hands, or otherwise; to grasp; to get into one's hold or possession; to procure; to seize and carry away; to convey.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To obtain possession of by force or artifice; to get the custody or control of; to reduce into subjection to one's power or will; to capture; to seize; to make prisoner; as, to take an army, a city, or a ship; also, to come upon or befall; to fasten on; to attack; to seize; - said of a disease, misfortune, or the like.
This man was taken of the Jews.
Men in their loose, unguarded hours they take;Not that themselves are wise, but others weak.
They that come abroad after these showers are commonly taken with sickness.
There he blasts the tree and takes the cattleAnd makes milch kine yield blood.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
In a somewhat passive sense, to receive; to bear; to endure; to acknowledge; to accept.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To gain or secure the interest or affection of; to captivate; to engage; to interest; to charm.
Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Cleombroutus was so taken with this prospect, that he had no patience.
I know not why, but there was a something in those half-seen features, - a charm in the very shadow that hung over their imagined beauty, - which took me more than all the outshining loveliness of her companions.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept, as something offered; to receive; not to refuse or reject; to admit.
Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To make a picture, photograph, or the like, of; as, to take a group or a scene.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To make selection of; to choose; also, to turn to; to have recourse to; as, to take the road to the right.
Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
The violence of storming is the course which God is forced to take for the destroying . . . of sinners.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To receive as something to be eaten or drunk; to partake of; to swallow; as, to take food or wine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To give or deliver (a blow to); to strike; hit; as, he took me in the face; he took me a blow on the head.
For now Troy's broad-wayed townHe shall take in.
The ancients took up experiments upon credit.
One of his relations took him up roundly.
Soon as the evening shades prevail,The moon takes up the wondrous tale.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To employ; to use; to occupy; hence, to demand; to require; as, it takes so much cloth to make a coat; it takes five hours to get to Boston from New York by car.
This man always takes time . . . before he passes his judgments.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Not to refuse or balk at; to undertake readily; to clear; as, to take a hedge or fence.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To form a likeness of; to copy; to delineate; to picture; as, to take a picture of a person.
Beauty alone could beauty take so right.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To bear without ill humor or resentment; to submit to; to tolerate; to endure; as, to take a joke; he will take an affront from no man.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To draw; to deduce; to derive.
The firm belief of a future judgment is the most forcible motive to a good life, because taken from this consideration of the most lasting happiness and misery.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To admit, as, something presented to the mind; not to dispute; to allow; to accept; to receive in thought; to entertain in opinion; to understand; to interpret; to regard or look upon; to consider; to suppose; as, to take a thing for granted; this I take to be man's motive; to take men for spies.
You take me right.
Charity, taken in its largest extent, is nothing else but the science love of God and our neighbor.
[He] took that for virtue and affection which was nothing but vice in a disguise.
You'd doubt his sex, and take him for a girl.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To assume; to adopt; to acquire, as shape; to permit to one's self; to indulge or engage in; to yield to; to have or feel; to enjoy or experience, as rest, revenge, delight, shame; to form and adopt, as a resolution; - used in general senses, limited by a following complement, in many idiomatic phrases; as, to take a resolution; I take the liberty to say.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To accept the word or offer of; to receive and accept; to bear; to submit to; to enter into agreement with; - used in general senses; as, to take a form or shape.
I take thee at thy word.
Yet thy moist clay is pliant to command; . . . Not take the mold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To carry; to convey; to deliver to another; to hand over; as, he took the book to the bindery; he took a dictionary with him.
He took me certain gold, I wot it well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To remove; to withdraw; to deduct; - with from; as, to take the breath from one; to take two from four.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To take hold; to fix upon anything; to have the natural or intended effect; to accomplish a purpose; as, he was inoculated, but the virus did not take.
When flame taketh and openeth, it giveth a noise.
In impressions from mind to mind, the impression taketh, but is overcome . . . before it work any manifest effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To please; to gain reception; to succeed.
Each wit may praise it for his own dear sake,And hint he writ it, if the thing should take.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To move or direct the course; to resort; to betake one's self; to proceed; to go; - usually with to; as, the fox, being hard pressed, took to the hedge.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To admit of being pictured, as in a photograph; as, his face does not take well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
That which is taken, such as the quantity of fish captured at one haul or catch, or the amouont of money collected during one event; as, the box-office take.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
The act of photographing a scene or part of a scene without interruption
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
As of time or space;
It took three hours to get to work this morning
This event occupied a very short time
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Get into one's hands, take physically;
Take a cookie!
Can you take this bag, please
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Interpret something in a certain way; convey a particular meaning or impression;
I read this address as a satire
How should I take this message?
You can't take credit for this!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take something or somebody with oneself somewhere;
Bring me the box from the other room
Take these letters to the boss
This brings me to the main point
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take into one's possession;
We are taking an orphan from Romania
I'll take three salmon steaks
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives;
Take any one of these cards
Choose a good husband for your daughter
She selected a pair of shoes from among the dozen the salesgirl had shown her
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Travel or go by means of a certain kind of transportation, or a certain route;
He takes the bus to work
She takes Route 1 to Newark
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Receive willingly something given or offered;
The only girl who would have him was the miller's daughter
I won't have this dog in my house!
Please accept my present
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Assume, as of positions or roles;
She took the job as director of development
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take into consideration for exemplifying purposes;
Take the case of China
Consider the following case
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, taking off, etc. or remove something abstract;
Remove a threat
Remove a wrapper
Remove the dirty dishes from the table
Take the gun from your pocket
This machine withdraws heat from the environment
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Serve oneself to, or consume regularly;
Have another bowl of chicken soup!
I don't take sugar in my coffee
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take by force;
Hitler took the Baltic Republics
The army took the fort on the hill
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Admit into a group or community;
Accept students for graduate study
We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Ascertain or determine by measuring, computing or take a reading from a dial;
Take a pulse
A reading was taken of the earth's tremors
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs;
The accident claimed three lives
The hard work took its toll on her
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Head into a specified direction;
The escaped convict took to the hills
We made for the mountains
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Aim or direct at; as of blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment;
Please don't aim at your little brother!
He trained his gun on the burglar
Don't train your camera on the women
Take a swipe at one's opponent
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Have with oneself; have on one's person;
She always takes an umbrella
I always carry money
She packs a gun when she goes into the mountains
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Engage for service under a term of contract;
We took an apartment on a quiet street
Let's rent a car
Shall we take a guide in Rome?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To get into a position of having, e.g., safety, comfort;
Take shelter from the storm
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Have sex with; archaic use;
He had taken this woman when she was most vulnerable
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
Be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness;
He got AIDS
She came down with pneumonia
She took a chill
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Take
To get into one's possession by force, skill, or artifice.
She had to take the toy away from the child.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Take
To receive something given or offered.
He decided to take the job offer in New York.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Take
To interpret or understand in a particular way.
She didn’t know how to take his comments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "give" imply weakness?
In some contexts, like "give in," it can imply yielding or conceding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "take" imply ownership?
It can, but it also refers to temporary possession or usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "give" always a physical action?
No, it can also refer to non-physical things like advice, love, or space.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "give" used in legal terms?
Yes, particularly in contexts of granting rights or permissions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "take" always involve another party?
Not necessarily, it can be an action done independently.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "take" be a passive action?
Yes, it can be passive, as in receiving something offered.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "give" associated with positive actions?
Often, but not exclusively; context matters.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "take" always about physical items?
No, it can also refer to concepts, ideas, or interpretations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "give" used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, such as "give it your best shot."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "give" be used metaphorically?
Absolutely, like giving someone a chance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "take" be used in a positive context?
Yes, like taking an opportunity or advice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "give" used in business contexts?
Yes, in terms of giving offers, deals, or concessions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is "take" an action verb?
Yes, it denotes an action, whether physical or mental.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can "take" refer to understanding?
Yes, like taking a joke or a comment in a certain way.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "take" have multiple meanings?
Yes, it has various meanings depending on context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does "take" have a negative connotation?
It can, especially if implying taking without permission.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
