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Moon7296 Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Can you carry this?

If you want someone to hold your heavy bag and take(carry) it to your house for you, what do you say simply?

1. Can you take this please?

2. Can you hold this please?

3. Can you carry this please?

I think #3 sounds OK but it seems there's more casual word for it.
  

Top answer

You would only use 'can' with a close acquaintance or a servant. 'Hold' includes no movement; it is to merely stand with the bag in hand. 'Take' is more vague, but is often synonymous with 'hold': you should change it to 'take this in '.

— Mister Micawber

  • You would only use 'can' with a close acquaintance or a servant.
  • 'Hold' includes no movement; it is to merely stand with the bag in hand.
  • 'Take' is more vague, but is often synonymous with 'hold': you should change it to 'take this in '.
  • 'Carry' is the best choice, probably, but again it would be clearer if you added 'in': 'carry this in'.
  • It would be more pleasant if you changed the auxiliary and added a note of assistance: ' Could you carry this bag in for me, please ?
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1 Answers
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You would only use 'can' with a close acquaintance or a servant. 'Hold' includes no movement; it is to merely stand with the bag in hand. 'Take' is more vague, but is often synonymous with 'hold': you should change it to 'take this in'. 'Carry' is the best choice, probably, but again it would be clearer if you added 'in': 'carry this in'. It would be more pleasant if you changed the aux
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