bring about

USAGE SUMMARY

"bring about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a result of a set of actions, as in, "The coordinated effort of the team brought about positive changes to the company's policies".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then we will bring about big changes".

The New York Times

Neither would be easy to bring about.

The Economist

"What it does is bring about awareness".

The New York Times

It doesn't bring about change.

The Guardian

"We want to bring about lasting improvement".

The Guardian

"Is this necessary to bring about competition?

The New York Times

Because he wants to bring about change.

The New York Times

Will he bring about the apocalypse?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Then it will bring about change.

The Guardian - Money

Can the Americans help bring about justice?

The Guardian

Would even another, much larger school massacre bring about change?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring about" when you want to emphasize the act of causing something to occur, often as a result of specific actions or conditions. For example: "Consistent effort can bring about significant improvements."

Common error

While "bring about" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cause" or "create" in informal settings.

How to use

Learn how to use "bring about" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring about" functions as a causative verb, indicating the act of causing something to occur or come into existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase in English. The examples show it frequently used to describe how actions or events lead to specific outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring about" is a causative verb phrase commonly used to express how actions or events lead to specific outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, its formality should be considered in informal settings. Alternatives like "cause to happen" or "lead to" can provide similar meanings with slight variations. Using "bring about" effectively involves understanding its causative function and ensuring it fits the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause to happen

This alternative focuses on the direct action of causing an event to occur.

give rise to

This suggests a more indirect causation, where something emerges as a result.

lead to

This implies a sequential relationship, where one event precedes and influences another.

result in

This highlights the outcome or consequence of an action.

effectuate

This is a more formal term for causing something to happen or be realized.

generate

This implies the creation or production of something.

instigate

This suggests initiating or provoking an action or event.

precipitate

This implies causing something to happen suddenly or prematurely.

trigger

This focuses on an event that sets off a chain reaction or a specific outcome.

create

This emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

FAQs

How can I use "bring about" in a sentence?

"Bring about" is used to describe causing something to happen. For example, "The new policies will bring about positive change."

What are some alternatives to "bring about"?

You can use alternatives such as "cause to happen", "lead to", or "give rise to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "bring about" or "cause"?

"Bring about" is often used when the cause is a process or series of actions, while "cause" is more general. Consider the nuance you want to convey. Both phrases can be used to indicate the reason of an action or event.

Can "bring about" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "bring about" is suitable for formal writing and can add a level of sophistication. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and isn't overly verbose.