bring up a subject

USAGE SUMMARY

"bring up a subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to introducing or raising a topic for discussion. For example, "My colleague brought up the subject of salary increases during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Studies have shown that many primary care providers are reluctant to recommend the vaccine, in part because they feel that it will bring up a subject that can be uncomfortable for parents to discuss.

Independent

The scene, it turns out, is really just an excuse to bring up a subject that infuriates her: the writer Joe McGinniss, who is working on an unauthorized biography of Palin, has naughtily rented the house next door.

The New Yorker

Dear CL, You bring up a subject that almost every postdoc and young scientist I speak with wants: to read and see funded grant applications.

Science Magazine

"We bring up a subject, for example nightmares, and then the children discuss how they manage to overcome their fear.

Unicef

Analyze your situation and bring up a subject.

WikiHow

If you bring up a subject and she doesn't seem interested, move on to something else.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Photograph: Tom Jenkins 1.49pm BST In an interview filmed yesterday, Simona Halep brings up a subject she doesn't like talking about too much: the breast reduction she underwent five years ago to enable her to move around the court more easily.

The Guardian - Sport

I also asked him if he's finally going to move out of the SRI offices in Menlo Park, and he admitted that I was bringing up a subject of debate within Tempo's 15-person team — Singh said he's personally hesitant to give up all the benefits of working out of SRI.

TechCrunch

If she brings up a subject that you are absolutely clueless about, tell her that.

WikiHow

If the other speaker brings up a subject that you've had a lousy experience with, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to sit that round out.

WikiHow

For example: School, people see it as a waste land of distress and discomfort when on the positive side it can be viewed as a way to learn and feel smart when someone brings up a subject and get in a good college etc. Talk to someone!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bring up a subject", consider the audience and context to ensure the topic is appropriate for discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "bring up a subject" in formal writing where a more direct or professional term like "introduce" or "raise" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring up a subject" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of introducing a topic into a conversation or discussion. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring up a subject" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that means to introduce a topic for discussion. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context and audience before introducing any topic. Alternatives such as ""raise a topic"" or ""introduce a subject"" might be more suitable in certain formal settings. Remember to be mindful of your audience and the appropriateness of the subject matter, as well as avoiding using it in extremely formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise a topic

This alternative uses "raise" instead of "bring up", implying a more formal introduction of the subject.

introduce a subject

This alternative uses "introduce" which focuses on the action of presenting the subject for the first time.

broach a subject

This alternative, using "broach", suggests carefully and sensitively introducing a potentially difficult or delicate subject.

mention a topic

This alternative is less direct than "bring up a subject" and simply refers to referring to the topic.

touch on a subject

This suggests a brief or cursory examination of the topic, unlike a full discussion implied by "bring up a subject".

bring forward a topic

This is more formal and suggests introducing a topic for consideration or decision.

table a topic

Unlike "bring up a subject", this means to postpone discussion of a topic.

open up a subject

This implies initiating an extensive discussion on the topic.

allude to a subject

This involves indirectly referencing the topic, rather than directly presenting it.

canvass a topic

To canvass a topic means to discuss it, often in order to get opinions from people.

FAQs

How can I "bring up a subject" without making others feel uncomfortable?

Choose an appropriate setting, consider your audience, and use tactful language. Frame the topic in a way that encourages open discussion.

What does it mean to "bring up a subject"?

It means to introduce a topic for discussion or consideration. It can also mean to remind someone of something.

Which is a better alternative to "bring up a subject", "raise a topic" or "introduce a subject"?

Both are good alternatives, but "raise a topic" is best suited for formal situations while "introduce a subject" refers to the act of presenting it for the first time.

Is it ever inappropriate to "bring up a subject"?

Yes, if the topic is irrelevant, offensive, or likely to cause unnecessary conflict, it's best to avoid "bringing up a subject".