bring him before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring him before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being summoned or presented to a person or authority, such as a court or meeting. Example: "The judge ordered the officer to bring him before the court for questioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He has spent nearly 30 years trying to bring him before a French court.

The New York Times

As for Uribe's accusations and his threat to bring him before the International Criminal Court, "I laugh at them — they are risible".

The New Yorker

He will remain in Saudi Arabia for the meantime in the hope that the government will be forced to bring him before the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

"As with so many before him, his decision to take a stand against the Soviet system would ultimately bring him before the executioner in a darkened Moscow subbasement".

The New York Times - Books

They also did not bring him before a judge on Monday, despite a High Court order issued Saturday to do so, said an opposition spokesman, Nelson Chamisa.

The New York Times

But defense lawyers have suggested in their questioning of witnesses in the hearings — intended to establish whether there is enough evidence to bring him before a court-martial — that the government's account is too tidy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But it brings him before me with startling vivacity.

The New Yorker

Angered, his father kept him at home and then brought him before the civil authorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That left open the possibility of bringing him before a military tribunal if he is apprehended, officials said.

The New York Times

Pavlo took Prof. P. to task for bringing him before a chimp with a conditioned reflex t that took the form of spitting at any beard it saw.

The New Yorker

By Jeffrey Toobin March 2, 2018 Fane Lozman's floating home was the basis of a dispute with a South Florida city that has brought him before the Supreme Court for a second time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bring him before" when you want to convey the action of presenting someone, often under some degree of compulsion or formality, to a person or body of authority such as a court, committee, or leader.

Common error

Avoid using "bring him before" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and is better suited for situations involving legal, official, or disciplinary proceedings. Use alternative phrases like "introduce him to" or "present him to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring him before" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of causing someone to appear in front of a person or body of authority. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bring him before" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the act of presenting or summoning someone to face an authority or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its formality leans towards neutral, making it suitable for news reporting and official contexts. While not overly common, with a frequency rated as 'uncommon', its meaning is clear and authoritative. When looking for alternatives, consider "present him before" or "summon him before" for similar formality, or "introduce him to" for a more casual tone. Always tailor your choice to the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present him before

Replaces the verb "bring" with "present", offering a slightly more formal tone.

summon him before

Emphasizes the act of officially calling someone to appear.

produce him before

Highlights the act of making someone available for examination or judgment.

haul him before

Suggests a more forceful or reluctant presentation of the person.

lead him before

Implies guidance or direction in bringing the person.

escort him before

Highlights the act of accompanying someone, often with authority.

introduce him to

Focuses on the act of making someone known to another.

deliver him to

Suggests handing over someone to a specific authority or place.

parade him before

Implies a public or ostentatious presentation.

submit him to

Suggests yielding someone to a process or authority.

FAQs

How to use "bring him before" in a sentence?

Use "bring him before" when someone is being summoned or presented to an authority. For example, "The police will bring him before the judge tomorrow" or "The council intends to bring him before a disciplinary hearing".

What can I say instead of "bring him before"?

Alternatives include "present him to", "summon him before", or "haul him before" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "bring him before" formal or informal?

"Bring him before" is generally considered a formal phrase, appropriate for legal, official, or serious contexts. It suggests an element of authority or compulsion.

What is the difference between "bring him before" and "introduce him to"?

"Bring him before" implies a formal presentation, often to an authority, while "introduce him to" simply means making someone known to another person in a typically informal setting.