Drive vs. Ride

Both verbs refer to using vehicles for transportation but they are used with different vehicles or in different contexts. Follow the lesson to find out more.

What is the difference between 'drive' and 'ride'?

'Drive' and 'ride' both mean to steer and control a vehicle, but they are used with different types of vehicle. Additionally, 'ride' can also mean to travel on a vehicle without being in charge of operating it. This meaning of the verb is in contrast with 'drive' which involves steering and operating the vehicle. This lesson will discuss the differences between these two verbs in both meanings.

Difference in Vehicles

As mentioned earlier, 'ride' can mean to operate a vehicle or a means of transport, but it can only be used with vehicles that you are supposed to sit on top of and control and steer, such as bicycles, bikes, or animals such as horses or camels. When talking about vehicles with multiple wheels that you are supposed to sit inside and apply an external force for them to move, such as a car, a truck, a bus, etc. you cannot use 'ride' and should use 'drive' instead.

They decided to ride their bikes to the park.

'They decided to ride their ~~cars~~ to the park' or 'They decided to ~~drive~~ their bikes to the park' are incorrect.

She learned how to drive a car when she turned 16.

Active Involvement

'Ride' can also mean to travel in a vehicle with multiple wheels and enclosed space as a passenger. In this meaning, it is different from 'drive' which refers to operating a vehicle or being in control of the vehicle's movement. 'Drive' implies being the one who is responsible for steering, accelerating, and operating the vehicle. 'Ride', on the other hand, generally refers to being a passenger in a vehicle or traveling in a vehicle without being in control of its movement. It is a more passive action that indicates being transported by someone else or by a vehicle.

I drive the bus to school everyday.

Here, the speaker is the bus driver in charge of operating the vehicle.

I ride the bus to school every day.

Here, 'ride' means to be a passenger on the bus.

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