When it comes to the English language, there are many words that can be easily confused with one another. Two such words are “toke” and “take.” While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings that are important to understand in order to use them correctly.
We should clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. In most cases, “take” is the correct word to use. “Toke” is a slang term that is typically used in reference to smoking marijuana.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “take” means “to get into one’s hands or into one’s possession, power, or control: such as to seize or capture physically.” On the other hand, “toke” is defined as “to inhale smoke from a cigarette, pipe, etc.”
Now that we have a clear understanding of the meanings of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some common phrases and expressions that use them.
Define Toke
When it comes to smoking cannabis, the term “toke” is often used to describe the act of inhaling smoke from a joint, pipe, or other smoking device. It can also refer to the amount of smoke inhaled in a single breath. The term “toke” is derived from the Spanish word “toca,” which means “hit” or “touch.”
Some cannabis enthusiasts use the term “toke” to describe the experience of smoking in general. For example, someone might say, “I love taking a toke after a long day at work.”
Define Take
The term “take” is more general and can refer to a wide range of actions. In the context of smoking cannabis, “take” can refer to the act of smoking in general, but it can also refer to specific actions such as:
- Taking a hit from a joint, pipe, or other smoking device
- Taking a puff from a vaporizer
- Taking a dab of cannabis concentrate
Outside of the context of smoking cannabis, “take” can refer to a wide range of actions, from physically grabbing something to accepting an invitation or offer. It is a versatile verb that can be used in many different ways.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. The words “toke” and “take” are often confused due to their similar spellings and pronunciations. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence correctly.
How To Use “Toke” In A Sentence
“Toke” is a verb that means to inhale smoke from a marijuana cigarette or pipe. Here are a few examples of how to use “toke” in a sentence:
- He took a deep toke from the joint.
- She passed the bong to her friend, who took a toke.
- After work, he likes to relax and toke up.
As you can see from these examples, “toke” is used to describe the act of inhaling smoke from a marijuana cigarette or pipe. It is important to note that “toke” is a slang term and should be used appropriately.
How To Use “Take” In A Sentence
“Take” is a verb that has multiple meanings, including to bring or carry something with you, to remove something, or to accept or receive something. Here are a few examples of how to use “take” in a sentence:
- She took her phone with her when she left the house.
- He took the book off the shelf and began to read.
- They took the job offer and started working the next day.
As you can see from these examples, “take” can be used to describe various actions, such as bringing something with you, removing something, or accepting something. It is important to understand the context in which “take” is being used to ensure the correct meaning is conveyed.
More Examples Of Toke & Take Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between “toke” and “take,” it’s helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using toke In A Sentence
- He took a toke on his joint and passed it to his friend.
- She was feeling anxious, so she decided to take a toke of her CBD oil.
- The group of friends sat around the campfire, passing the joint and taking tokes.
- He took a toke of his vape pen and blew a cloud of smoke into the air.
- She offered me a toke of her joint, but I declined.
- He took a deep toke on his bong and held the smoke in his lungs.
- She took a toke of her pipe and let out a contented sigh.
- He was feeling stressed, so he took a toke of his medical marijuana to help him relax.
- She took a toke of her husband’s joint and immediately started coughing.
- He took a toke of his blunt and passed it to his girlfriend.
Examples Of Using take In A Sentence
- He needed to take a break from work and go for a walk outside.
- She decided to take a nap after a long day at school.
- The family decided to take a vacation to Hawaii this year.
- He had to take a test in his math class that he was not looking forward to.
- She wanted to take a dance class to improve her skills.
- He needed to take his car to the mechanic to get it fixed.
- She was going to take a shower before going out to dinner.
- He wanted to take his girlfriend out for a romantic dinner on their anniversary.
- She was going to take a yoga class to help her de-stress.
- He needed to take his dog to the vet for his annual checkup.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
While toke and take may seem interchangeable, using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Toke” Instead Of “Take”
One common mistake is using “toke” instead of “take.” “Toke” is a slang term for inhaling smoke from a marijuana cigarette, while “take” means to grab or seize something. Using “toke” in place of “take” can lead to confusion and may make your writing appear unprofessional.
Using “Take” Instead Of “Toke”
Conversely, using “take” instead of “toke” can also lead to confusion. While “take” is a more formal and widely used term, using it in place of “toke” can change the meaning of your sentence entirely. For example, saying “I’m going to take a toke” is different than saying “I’m going to take a break.” It’s important to use the correct term to avoid miscommunication.
Using The Wrong Tense
Another common mistake is using the wrong tense when using “toke” or “take.” For example, saying “I toke the medicine” is incorrect, as “toke” is not a proper verb tense. Instead, use the correct past tense of “take” by saying “I took the medicine.”
Using The Wrong Form Of The Verb
Using the wrong form of the verb can also lead to mistakes. For example, saying “I’m going to taken a break” is incorrect, as “taken” is the past participle form of “take” and should not be used in this context. Instead, use the correct present tense form of “take” by saying “I’m going to take a break.”
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Proofread your writing carefully to ensure you are using the correct form of “toke” or “take.”
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to double-check the definition and proper usage of these words.
- Practice using these words correctly in your writing to become more familiar with their proper usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “toke” and “take,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for the job.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “toke” and “take” might change:
| Context | Correct Word Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking Marijuana | Toke | “Toke” is the correct word to use when referring to smoking marijuana. You would not say “take a hit” or “take a puff.” |
| Medication | Take | “Take” is the correct word to use when referring to medication. You would not say “toke your medicine.” |
| Food and Drink | Take | “Take” is the correct word to use when referring to food and drink. You would not say “toke a sip” or “toke a bite.” |
| Transportation | Take | “Take” is the correct word to use when referring to transportation. You would not say “toke the bus” or “toke a ride.” |
As you can see, the choice between “toke” and “take” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. By understanding the appropriate use of each word, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “toke” and “take” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Exceptions For “Toke”
One exception for using “toke” is when it is used as a noun instead of a verb. In this case, “toke” refers to the act of inhaling smoke from a marijuana cigarette or pipe. For example:
- “I took a toke from the joint.”
- “He offered me a toke from his pipe.”
Another exception is when “toke” is used as part of a larger phrase or expression. For example:
- “I’m going to take a toke break.”
- “She’s always up for a toke and a chat.”
Exceptions For “Take”
One exception for using “take” is when it is used in the sense of “to capture” or “to seize.” In this case, “take” is often used in the context of a battle or conflict, and it can refer to capturing a piece of territory or seizing control of a situation. For example:
- “The army took the city after a long siege.”
- “The rebels took control of the government.”
Another exception is when “take” is used in the sense of “to consume” or “to use up.” In this case, “take” can refer to consuming food or drink, or using up resources or supplies. For example:
- “I’m going to take a break and have some lunch.”
- “We need to take more care with our water usage.”
By being aware of these exceptions, you can use “toke” and “take” correctly in a variety of contexts and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between “toke” and “take,” it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “toke” or “take” to complete the sentence correctly:
- She decided to _______ a break from work and go for a walk.
- He offered me a _______ of his joint.
- I always _______ my vitamins in the morning.
- Can you _______ me to the store on your way home?
- He likes to _______ a deep breath before he speaks in public.
Answer Key:
- take
- toke
- take
- take
- take
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- He decided to _______ a break from studying and go for a walk.
- a) toke
- b) take
- a) toke
- b) take
- a) toke
- b) take
- a) toke
- b) take
- a) toke
- b) take
Answer Key:
- b) take
- a) toke
- b) take
- b) take
- b) take
By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use “toke” and “take” in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a pro!
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “toke” and “take” is crucial in avoiding embarrassing grammar mistakes. While “toke” is a slang term for smoking marijuana, “take” is a verb that means to grab, hold, or acquire something.
Using “toke” in place of “take” can lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in professional settings. It is important to always use the correct word in the appropriate context to convey your message clearly.
Remember that language is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date with grammar rules and language use. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can communicate more effectively and confidently in both our personal and professional lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.