Debate: Bought and brought

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Talking about words

Inspired by Word4Word, our community discussed language in the forums. Join in with some points for debate.

Forum guest GH Jones railed against the collapse of a distinction

I can't get anyone to acknowledge that 'bought' is now almost invariably used when 'brought' is correct. E.g.: 'He was "bought" up in . . .'

During one 'Flog It' programme an expert asked a woman who'd brought some silver items to be auctioned: 'Have you bought (sic) the family silver?' Are we really to accept that there's no difference between the past tense of 'to buy' and that of 'to bring'?

Almost as bad is the overuse of 'fantastic'!

Content last updated: 05/10/2009