In English, we use the words “bought” and “brought” as the past tense of “buy” and “bring.” These words sound similar, but they have different meanings. You can use the context of a sentence to know which one to use.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between bought and brought and how to use them.
What’s the Difference Between Bought and Brought?
Bought is the past tense of the verb “buy,” and it means to have obtained something by paying for it. Brought is the past tense of the verb “bring,” and it means to have carried, conveyed, or led something or someone to a place. For example, you might say:
- “I bought a new car yesterday.” (I paid for a new car yesterday.)
- “I brought my friend to the party.” (I led my friend to the party.)
The main difference between bought and brought is the action they describe. Bought refers to a transaction, while brought refers to a movement. If you’re talking about buying something, use bought. If you’re talking about bringing something or someone, use brought. For example:
- “I bought a cake for the party.” (I paid for a cake.)
- “I brought a cake to the party.” (I carried a cake.)
Bought Meaning and Examples
Bought is the past tense and past participle of the verb “buy.” It means to have obtained something by paying for it. For example:
- “I bought a new phone yesterday.”
- “She bought a gift for her friend.”
- “They bought a house in the countryside.”
Bought can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as:
- “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.)
Brought Meaning and Examples
Brought is the past tense and past participle of the verb “bring.” It means to have carried, conveyed, or led something or someone to a place. For example:
- “I brought my lunch to work.”
- “She brought her dog to the park.”
- “They brought their children to the zoo.”
Brought can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as:
- “He brought up the topic.” (He mentioned or introduced the topic.)
- “She brought down the house.” (She received a lot of applause or laughter.)
- “They brought him to justice.” (They made him face legal consequences.)
Conclusion
Bought and brought are two different words with different meanings. Bought means to have paid for something, while brought means to have carried or led something or someone. Remembering these differences will help you use these words correctly in your writing and speaking.