BOUGHT vs BROUGHT: simple spelling tips to remember the difference

The words BOUGHT and BROUGHT look and sound similar and are often confused as a result – but their meanings are very different! Use these tips to remember the difference between these commonly confused words.

Here are my simple tips to remember the difference between BOUGHT and BROUGHT.

When to use BOUGHT

BOUGHT is the past tense of the verb buy.

You can use BOUGHT in a sentence like this:

“I BOUGHT a kilo of apples to make the pie.”

OR

“The new glasses I BOUGHT are in the cupboard.”

When to use BROUGHT

BROUGHT is the past tense of the verb bring. 

You can use BROUGHT in a sentence like this:

“I BROUGHT you some soup to help you feel better.”

OR

“Last year he BROUGHT a delicious chocolate cake to the party.”

Here’s another example of BOUGHT and BROUGHT in use:

“You like my Sombrero? I BOUGHT it in Spain and BROUGHT it home on the plane”

Remember this simple tip to know the difference between BOUGHT and BROUGHT:

Think of the BR in BRing and BRought.

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