Take and grab are two English verbs that both involve picking up or holding something, but they differ in usage, tone, and intention.
Take Overview
The verb take means to get or pick up something, often with permission or as part of a planned action. It is more formal and neutral. Take can also mean to accept or receive something.
Grab Overview
The verb grab means to quickly or roughly take something, often without much care or sometimes without permission. It implies urgency or suddenness and is less formal than take.
Usage Differences
The main difference is in the manner and tone:
- Take is more neutral and can be used in many contexts, including polite requests and instructions.
- Grab suggests quickness, force, or urgency and is often used in informal situations.
Example Sentences
| Take (English) | Take (Korean) | Grab (English) | Grab (Korean) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you take this book to Sarah? | 이 책을 사라에게 가져다줄 수 있나요? | I’ll grab a sandwich before the meeting. | 회의 전에 샌드위치를 얼른 집을게요. |
| Please take one cookie from the jar. | 항아리에서 쿠키 하나 가져가세요. | He grabbed the bag and ran out. | 그는 가방을 낚아채듯이 잡고 달려나갔어요. |
Key Takeaways
- Use take for general, neutral, or polite situations where you get or pick up something.
- Use grab when you want to emphasize quickness, urgency, or a rough manner.
- Choose based on the tone and speed of the action you want to describe.
Flashcards (1 of 2)
- Take (Korean): 이 책을 사라에게 가져다줄 수 있나요?
- Grab (Korean): 회의 전에 샌드위치를 얼른 집을게요.
- Take (English): Can you take this book to Sarah?
- Grab (English): I’ll grab a sandwich before the meeting.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
