take/leave a message

[panicmonger]

Are they the same in meaning?
1. Can I take a message?
2. Can I leave a message?
Have a good day. Thanks.

 

[TheParser]

Are they the same in meaning?
1. Can I take a message?
2. Can I leave a message?
Have a good day. Thanks.

***** NOT A TEACHER / ONLY MY OPINION


Panicmonger,


I believe that there is a huge difference.

(1) Can I take a message?

Someone calls your home in order to speak with your sister.

She is not at home.

You tell the caller: Can I take a message (from you and give it to

her when she returns)?

(2) Can I leave a message?

You call your girlfriend's home.

Her mother says that your girlfriend is not there.

You ask her mother: Can I leave a message (and you give it to her

when she returns)?


Thank you

P. S. Of course, in the first example you could also ask:

Do you want to leave a message (for my sister, to whom I will deliver it

when she returns home)?

 

[acslater017]

The above answer is correct.

LEAVE a message means that YOU have called someone and they are not there. So you LEAVE a message with the secretary, on the answering machine, etc.

Example: I tried calling you, but you didn't pick up so I left a message.

TAKE a message means that someone has called YOUR number looking for, say, your boss. Your boss is not there, so YOU offer to TAKE a message for the caller.

Example: I'm sorry, Mr. Jones is not here right now, may I take a message?