These questions ask you to follow the direction of a message, object, movement or knowledge. Mark the subject, the receiver and any stated reference point before choosing the verb.
Draw an arrow through the sentence
Imagine a simple arrow from source to receiver. Then ask what the grammatical subject does along that arrow. For movement words, also mark here and there: bring normally points to the relevant speaker or reference point, while take points away from it. Use this contrast only when the sentence provides a clear anchor.
| Direction signal | Form and a fresh example |
|---|---|
| Message sent versus conclusion received | A speaker or wording implies: Her pause implied uncertainty. A reader or listener infers from evidence: I inferred from the silence that nobody was home. |
| Make certain, protect financially or reassure a person | Ensure concerns an outcome: A lid ensures the jar stays dry. Insure concerns a financial policy: They insured the sculpture. Assure normally takes the person being reassured: I assured Leo that help was coming. |
| Temporary use received versus given | The receiver borrows: I borrowed a torch from May. The owner lends: May lent me a torch. |
| Movement to versus away from an anchor | Bring something to the speaker or named point: Bring the samples to my desk. Take something away to another point: Take these boxes to storage. |
| Knowledge given versus acquired | An instructor teaches a person or subject: Ravi teaches us chess. A learner learns a skill or fact: We learn quickly through repetition. |
Reverse-direction traps
| Temptation | How to reject it |
|---|---|
| Infer attached to the person or wording that sends a hint | The source implies; the person interpreting that source infers. Identify which role the subject has before choosing. |
| Insure for making an ordinary result certain, or ensure for a financial policy | Look for premiums, cover or protection against loss before using insure. Without that financial meaning, an action intended to make something certain takes ensure. |
| Borrow used for the owner's act of giving | The temporary receiver borrows from someone; the temporary giver lends to someone. Follow possession during the loan. |
| Learn used for the giver of instruction | The subject of learn acquires knowledge or skill. If the subject provides instruction to somebody else, use teach. |
Try it
From the fresh tyre tracks, investigators could ___ that a vehicle had left recently. Supply the verb meaning reach a conclusion from evidence.
I am waiting inside the conference room; please ___ the signed forms here when you come.
- take
- lend
- bring
- borrow
Which sentences make the grammatical subject the receiver or acquirer rather than the giver or communicator? Select all that apply.
- Nadia borrowed a drill from Omar.
- The visitors learned two safety rules from the tutor.
- Omar lent Nadia a drill.
- The spokesperson implied that prices would rise.