Carry/Bring

What’s the difference between carry and bring?

Carry and bring can be easily confused, but the difference is quite straightforward: we use bring when something is taken towards the speaker, whereas we use carry when something is transported using hands, body or strength. Read on for a detailed explanation of the difference between these tricky verbs, then test out your knowledge in the free exercises.

Example

Darling, can you bring me my slippers?

Of course, sweetheart.

Can you bring me the newspaper too?

Anything for you, honeybun.

One more thing, will you bring me a glass of wine and a slice of cake?

Honey I love you, but I only have two hands. I can’t carry all of those things!

Bring

move/take something towards the speaker/listener/receiver

Example:: Can you bring me my slippers?

take something with you to another place

Example:: Don’t forget to bring your ID tomorrow.

Carry

transport something from one place to another using your hands/body

Example:: I can’t carry all those things!

take something with you everywhere you go

Example:: She always carries her ID card with her.