bring up children

USAGE SUMMARY

"bring up children" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of raising or rearing children, which could include providing them with love, shelter, guidance, and a sense of values. For example, "We must ensure that we are able to bring up our children in a safe and nurturing environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't want to bring up children".

The Guardian - Music

Money needed to bring up children is tax-exempt.

The Economist

It is possible to live here, make a career and bring up children.

The Economist

It is difficult enough to bring up children to well-balanced adulthood without that.

The Economist

"It isn't the job of schools to bring up children, but to educate them," he says.

The Economist

One magazine has named it the best place in the country to bring up children.

The Economist

And many people thought that parents, not taxpayers, should pay to bring up children.

The Economist

They teach children, they police the streets, they work in hotel receptions and bring up children.

The Guardian

Even during this period, says Vest, Christiania was still a great place to bring up children.

The Guardian

Duff argued that was the wrong way to bring up children.

The New Yorker

It's annoying, hearing women declared "economically inactive" because they run homes and bring up children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the upbringing of children, consider the specific context. Use "raise" for general discussions, "rear" for a more formal tone, and "nurture" when emphasizing care and emotional development.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on material aspects when describing how to "bring up children". While providing financial support is important, remember to also highlight emotional, educational, and moral guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring up children" functions as a phrasal verb, serving to describe the action of raising, nurturing, and educating children. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a correct and usable phrase. Examples throughout Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bring up children" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrasal verb that describes the act of raising, nurturing, and educating children. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a reliable expression found across various contexts, from formal news reports to everyday conversations. While synonyms like "raise children" and "rear children" exist, "bring up children" often emphasizes the emotional and moral aspects of parenting. Remember to consider these nuances and the specific context when using this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise children

Direct synonym, focusing on the act of nurturing and educating children.

rear children

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the upbringing and training of children.

nurture children

Focuses on providing care, support, and encouragement for children's growth.

parent children

Emphasizes the role of being a parent and providing guidance.

educate children

Highlights the aspect of schooling and intellectual development.

foster children

Refers to providing care for children who are not biologically one's own.

care for children

A general term indicating responsibility for children's well-being.

raise a family

Similar meaning, but focuses on family instead of children.

provide for children

Emphasizes the financial and material support given to children.

guide children

Focuses on giving advice, teaching, and directing children's development.

FAQs

What does "bring up children" mean?

"Bring up children" means to raise, nurture, and educate children from infancy to adulthood, providing them with the necessary care, guidance, and support for their development.

What can I say instead of "bring up children"?

You can use alternatives like "raise children", "rear children", or "nurture children" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "brought up children"?

Yes, "brought up children" is the past tense and past participle of "bring up children" and is grammatically correct.

What is the difference between "bring up children" and "raise children"?

While both phrases are largely synonymous, "bring up children" can sometimes imply a greater focus on the emotional and moral development of the child, while "raise children" is a more general term for providing care and support.