Expressions with BRING and TAKE

A. Here are some common phrasal verbs with bring. A more formal equivalent is given in brackets.

I was brought up in the country. (raise, rear) (introduce)

Don’t give up. I’m sure you’ll bring it off. (succeed)

This bad cough was brought on by the wet weather. (cause to start) Technology has brought about many changes in the way we live. (cause to happen)

I wish they’d bring back the old streetcars. (reintroduce)

This scandal will surely bring down the government. (destroy, remove from power)

Several companies are bringing out a new line of computers this year. (introduce) Keep it up and you’ll bring him around to you point of view. (persuade)

The seasoning really brings out the flavour of this dish. (reveal or expose)

B. Here are some common phrasal verbs with take.

He takes after his father in more ways than one! (resemble or have similar traits) I wish I could take back what I said to her. (withdraw)

She was completely taken in by him. (deceive)

Sales have really taken off now. (start to improve)

The plane took off right on time (leave the ground)

We’ll have to take on more staff if we’re going to take on more work. (employ, undetake)

I’m taking my mother out for her birthday. (escort, invite to a restaurant, etc.) When did you take up golf? (start a hobby, etc.)

Our company was taken over by a larger company. (take control)

C. Here are some other common idioms with bring and take.

The new regulations will be brought into force in May. (become law)

Her research brought some very interesting facts to light. (reveal)

Matters were brought to a head when Pat was fired. (reach a point were changes have to be made)

It’s best that everything be brought out into the open. (make public)

His new wife has brought out the best/worst in him. (be good/bad for him) Don’t let him take advantage of you. (use superiority unfairly)

Just because you’ve having a bad day, don’t take it out on me! (cause somebody else to suffer because you are angry or unhappy)

I just took it for granted that you’d come (assume)

His words took my breath away. (surprise, amaze)

She loves taking care of small children, (look after, care for)

We took part in a demonstration last Saturday. (Participate)

The story takes place in Mexico. (Happen)

He doesn’t seem to take pride in his work. (draw satisfaction from) Mother always takes everything in her stride. (deal with calmly)

A. Complete these sentences with the appropriate preposition or particle.

1. They did away with capital punishment years ago, but now they’re talking about bringing it ........................

2. The long trip brought ........................ labour, and the baby was born on the bus.

3. Do you think our company will be taken ........................ by a corporate giant?

4. Maybe you’re taking ........................ more work than you can handle.

5. If anyone can bring it ........................, he can.

6. This time it’s my treat: I’m taking you ........................ to dinner!

7. She brought ........................ six children all by herself.

B. The diagram below can be called a ripple diagram. Can you complete it?

Now make a ripple diagram based on phrasal verb with bring.

C. Reply to these questions using one of the phrasal verbs in A or B on the

left column.

1. What causes your rash? It seems to be brought on by strong sunlight.

2. Who does your little girl resemble?

3. Do you have any special hobbies?

4. How’s your new business doing?

5. Do you think you’ll manage to persuade him to let you come?

6. Why do you suppose our plane is landing two hours late?

7. What do politicians often promise before an election?

D. Reword these sentences using expressions from C on the left column.

1. The story of the movie happen in Casablanca during the war.

2. Today’s newspaper reveals some fascinating information about the President.

3. How does he always manage to be so calm about things?

4. The view from the top of the hill was astonishing.

5. He capitalised on her weakness at the time and she sold it to him.

6. The main function of a nurse is to care for the sick.

7. Whenever you’re upset, you always make the children suffer.

Exercise