bring up this topic

USAGE SUMMARY

'bring up this topic' is a common expression used in written English that means to introduce a particular subject in conversation or discussion.
For example, "I don't know how to bring up this topic, but I wanted to talk about the budget for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It takes courage to bring up this topic during an interview," he says.

Nature

When I bring up this topic with my daughters, in their twenties, they are adamant that there is no wriggle room here and such behaviour should be a matter for the courts.

BBC

Host Savannah Guthrie pointed out that "the media did not bring up this topic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Try to be sensitive when bringing up this topic and beforehand consider what information you want to learn from your discussion.

Columbia University

According to Vicki Behenna, the lieutenant's mother, additional contributions from listeners since Savage brought up this topic on his program have amounted to over $40,000.

Wikipedia

Bringing up this topic is now the nuclear option to end any other argument you and the wife have from now on".

Huffington Post

I'm glad he brought up this topic, considering that Instagram is steadily going towards this direction--more and more people are showcasing a life that has nothing to do with reality, which is simply unsustainable in the long run.

HuffPost

Respondents indicated to struggle with bringing up this topic or to give the topic little priority during their limited time with older people.

BMC Geriatrics

Since abortion was included when the original legislation was passed, MPs will be able to bring up the topic this time too.

The Economist

This will bring up the topic and maybe get you a screen name!

WikiHow

Don't bring up the topic of school because this will automatically trigger a discussion about how weird it is that your report card hasn't arrived.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potential sensitivity of the topic. Prepare yourself to handle any reactions or questions that may arise.

Common error

Avoid overly verbose phrasing such as "initiate the action of bringing up this topic". Instead, stick to the concise and direct "bring up this topic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring up this topic" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a subject into a conversation or discussion. It signifies the act of initiating a discussion, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples where it's used in varied scenarios, from sensitive personal matters to political debates.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring up this topic" is a phrase used to introduce a subject for discussion. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct, although its frequency is rare, and its usage spans across various contexts like news, academia, and general conversation. While versatile, more formal alternatives such as "introduce this subject" might be preferred in professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the topic's sensitivity and the audience's receptiveness to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring this subject up for discussion

Adds the explicit purpose of "discussion", clarifying the intent.

raise this issue

Replaces "topic" with "issue", implying a problem or matter of concern.

address this issue

Similar to "raise this issue", but implies a more formal and direct approach.

introduce this subject

Uses a more formal verb, "introduce", making it suitable for professional settings.

mention this matter

Substitutes "topic" with "matter", suggesting something that needs attention or action.

speak about this topic

A more general way to indicate discussing the topic.

broach this subject

Employs the verb "broach", indicating a delicate or sensitive introduction of a topic.

touch on this topic

Suggests a brief or superficial discussion of the subject.

allude to this matter

Indicates an indirect or subtle reference to the subject.

table this topic

Means to postpone the discussion of the subject until a later time.

FAQs

How can I "bring up this topic" /s/bring+up+this+topic in a professional setting?

In professional contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "introduce this subject" or "address this issue". These options convey a sense of seriousness and respect for the environment.

What's a less direct way to "bring up this topic" /s/bring+up+this+topic?

If you prefer a subtle approach, try phrases like "touch on this topic" or "allude to this matter". These allow you to introduce the subject without making it the primary focus.

Is it better to "bring up this topic" /s/bring+up+this+topic or "raise this issue" /s/raise+this+issue?

While both are valid, "raise this issue" often implies a problem or concern needing resolution, while "bring up this topic" is more neutral and simply introduces a subject for discussion. Choose based on the context and your intent.

How can I soften the impact when I "bring up this topic" /s/bring+up+this+topic if it's sensitive?

Use phrases like "I wanted to discuss..." or "I'd like to get your thoughts on..." before explicitly mentioning the topic. This can help ease the conversation and make the other person feel more comfortable.