bring up

USAGE SUMMARY

"bring up" is a valid part of speech in written English.
You can use it to refer to a topic or to refer to the act of mentioning something. For example, "We need to bring up the issue of funding for the project at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They bring up kids.

Independent

They bring up their families.

The Economist

Why bring up race?

The New York Times

They bring up their separation.

Princeton University

We bring up our children together.

Independent

(Let's not even bring up "Catwoman").

The New York Times

The above steps bring up Algorithm 1.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Analysts do bring up some concerns.

Forbes

I didn't bring up the dogs.

Forbes

I bring up the sexual offence allegations.

BBC

Let them bring up the salary issue.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bring up" in writing, ensure the context is clear. It can refer to initiating a discussion, raising children, or even causing something to appear on a screen. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

A common error is to use "bring up" without considering its different meanings. Avoid using it when the context could be confused with physically lifting something, raising children, or vomiting, unless the intent is humorous or ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bring up" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It denotes actions like initiating a discussion, raising children, or causing something to be displayed. Ludwig AI confirms its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring up" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from initiating a conversation to raising children or displaying something on a screen. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. To ensure clarity, be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that while it's generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention

This alternative focuses on the act of referring to something in conversation.

raise

This alternative highlights the act of introducing a topic.

introduce

This alternative emphasizes the initial presentation of a subject.

broach

This alternative suggests a cautious or sensitive approach to introducing a topic.

rear

This alternative specifically refers to raising children.

nurture

This alternative highlights the process of caring for and educating children.

vomit

This alternative refers to regurgitating food.

reboot

This alternative refers to restarting something.

elevate

This alternative focuses on physically lifting something.

evoke

This alternative suggests bringing a feeling or memory to mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "bring up" to mean to mention a topic (e.g., "Don't "bring up politics""), to raise children (e.g., "She helped "bring up her children""), or to display something on a screen (e.g., "I'll "bring up the file"").

What is a good synonym for "bring up" when referring to starting a conversation?

When referring to starting a conversation, you can use synonyms like "mention", "raise", or "introduce". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bring up" in formal writing?

Yes, "bring up" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when referring to mentioning a topic. However, for very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "introduce" or "present".

What are some common phrases with "bring up"?

Common phrases include "bring up a topic", "bring up children", and "bring up an issue". The meaning varies depending on the context.