Cool MateCapture vs Takes
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Capture
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Takes
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Capture | Takes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkæptʃə(r)/","/ˈkæptʃəz/","/ˈkæptʃəd/","/ˈkæptʃərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkæptʃər/","/ˈkæptʃərz/","/ˈkæptʃərd/","/ˈkæptʃərɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //teɪks//🇺🇸 //teɪks// |
| Meaning | To take something or someone and hold them. | To grab or obtain something. |
| Example | The photographer aimed to capture the beauty of the sunset. | She takes a deep breath before speaking. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | accurately, perfectly, beautifully, try to, be able to, manage to | take a break, take advantage, take a chance, take notes |
| Antonyms | release, free, let go | give, release, return |
| Common mistakes | 'Capture' used without an object (e.g., saying 'I will capture.'), 'Capture' confused with 'caught' in past tense., 'Capture' improperly used in place of 'seize' which has a different nuance. | Confused with 'bring' - understand who the action is directed towards., Using 'takes' as a noun form instead of a verb., Incorrect tense usage (e.g., saying 'taked' instead of 'took'). |
| Usage notes | Use 'capture' when you want to express taking control of something, either physically or metaphorically. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in situations that imply violence. | Use 'takes' for actions involving grabbing, receiving, or consuming. It's more common in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Capture vs Takes
What's the difference between Capture and Takes?
Capture: To take something or someone and hold them. Takes: To grab or obtain something.
Can you show an example of each?
Capture: The photographer aimed to capture the beauty of the sunset. Takes: She takes a deep breath before speaking.
Can I use Capture and Takes interchangeably?
Not always. Capture and Takes are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.