What Brings vs. What Do You Bring

Attribute	What Brings	What Do You Bring
Definition	Refers to external factors or circumstances that lead to a certain outcome or result	Refers to personal qualities, skills, or contributions that an individual brings to a situation or relationship
Origin	External sources or events	Internal characteristics or abilities
Impact	Can be influenced by external factors beyond one's control	Can be influenced by personal choices and actions

Definition and Usage

When it comes to the English language, the phrases "What Brings" and "What Do You Bring" are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. "What Brings" is typically used to inquire about the cause or reason for something happening, while "What Do You Bring" is used to ask about what someone is bringing to a specific situation or event.

Context

Understanding the context in which these phrases are used is crucial in determining which one to use. "What Brings" is commonly used in a more formal or professional setting, such as in a business meeting or academic discussion. On the other hand, "What Do You Bring" is often used in a more casual or personal context, such as when meeting someone for the first time or discussing plans with friends.

Interrogative Pronouns

Both phrases contain interrogative pronouns, which are words used to ask questions. In the case of "What Brings," the pronoun "what" is used to inquire about the cause or reason for something. On the other hand, "What Do You Bring" uses the pronoun "what" to ask about the specific item or quality that someone is bringing to a situation.

Verb Tense

Another key difference between the two phrases is the verb tense used. In "What Brings," the verb "brings" is in the present tense, indicating that the action is currently happening or about to happen. In contrast, "What Do You Bring" uses the present tense verb "bring," which is used to ask about a habitual action or something that is generally true.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is an important grammatical concept to consider when using these phrases. In "What Brings," the subject "what" is singular, so the verb "brings" agrees with it. On the other hand, "What Do You Bring" has a plural subject "you," so the verb "bring" is used to match the plural subject.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "What Brings" and "What Do You Bring":

• "What brings you to this event?" (asking about the reason for someone's presence)
• "What do you bring to the table?" (inquiring about someone's contributions or skills)
• "What brings about change in society?" (questioning the causes of societal change)
• "What do you bring with you on your travels?" (asking about someone's packing habits)

Conclusion

While "What Brings" and "What Do You Bring" may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct meanings and usage in the English language. Understanding the context, interrogative pronouns, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and examples can help you choose the appropriate phrase for your communication needs. Whether you are discussing professional matters or personal interactions, being mindful of these differences can enhance your language skills and clarity in communication.