Similar but Different
B
Win means to be the best or the first in a competition.
The film won an Oscar.
Our team won the match.
Earn means to get something, usually money, for your work or effort.
I need to find a job where I can earn more money.
His outstanding performance in the play-offs has earned him a spot in the line-up for the final match.
Gain means to get something useful - attention, knowledge, favour - whether or not you deserve it.
He gained a lot of experience working with his father.
There's nothing to gain by postponing the meeting.
Beat means to reach a place or succeed in doing something before someone else.
If you want to beat the rush hour traffic I suggest you leave early.
We were set to close the deal but the guys from Xerox beat us.
Bring means moving something towards the speaker.
Can you come here and bring your notepad with you?
Take means moving something to another place.
Could you take these reports over to John's office?
Fetch means to go, get something, and bring it back.
Could you fetch the flash report from Antonio's desk?
Carry does not specify direction but suggests support with arms or body.
I had to carry my suitcases from reception up to my room.
Break is to separate into parts especially causing damage.
Be careful! That chair is broken.
Tear and rip mean to pull apart.
I'm sorry. When I opened the envelope I accidentally ripped your letter.
"Happy Birthday!" "The same to you!" "I just realised that we were born on the same day." "Yes, we're both baby boomers. The birth rate has dropped significantly since then."
Between is only for two things or people.
Just between the two of us, I think the new group leader has very little experience.
Among is for three or more.
She's among the wealthiest women in the country.