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Observation: "Take back" is used in impolite speech, while "Bring back" is used in polite speech. Is there any basis to this?

English Language & Usage Asked by Jim Fredrickson on May 22, 2021

I’m an English teacher working with an advanced student. They asked me to teach them how to ask for help or support when things aren’t going they way they should. I decided to teach him that it is often best to use indirect speech when asking for help, and these two sentences arose in my planning:

  1. I’m afraid my food isn’t heated thoroughly, could you please bring it back to the kitchen

  2. My food is cold, please take it back to the kitchen.

I naturally switch between "bring back" and "take back" in the polite, and less polite versions. If I play and switch them around, each sentence sounds more or less polite, accordingly. Is this just me thinking too hard, or is there some basis for this?

One Answer

Observation: “Take back” is used in impolite speech, while “Bring back” is used in polite speech. Is there any basis to this?

None whatsoever.

Both are the imperative form.

To take usually implies away from the speaker. To bring usually implies towards the speaker.

Answered by Greybeard on May 22, 2021

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