bring upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring upon" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect in many contexts.
It can be used when referring to causing something to happen or imposing something, but it is often better to use more standard expressions. Example: "His actions may bring upon unforeseen consequences."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's the true loneliness, Mr. Verma insists; the harder you try to stay together, the more disappointment and grief you bring upon yourself.

The New York Times - Books

In response, a group of Liberian women have coined a new mantra: "I am a Liberian, not a virus". In a video, one of those women, Shoana Clarke Solomon, described an experience shared by many Liberians who feel blamed for a virus they did nothing to bring upon themselves.

The Washington Post

It has been said that this kind of asp was the kind that Cleopatra bought to bring upon herself a sweet and easy death".

Science Magazine

There are questions about the value and economic impetus for software piracy, but a lot of the problems software manufacturers bring upon themselves — like lying about the real economic effect.

TechCrunch

However, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such control comes at a price – the very palpable risk that any state may bring upon its own citizens, economy, and national defense as it exploits global tech to penetrate a target nation or entity.

TechCrunch

However, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such control comes at a price – the very palpable risk that any state may bring upon its own citizens, economy, and national defense as it exploits global tech to penetrate a target nation or entity.

TechCrunch

I'm terrified of what this upcoming regime change may bring upon this country I call home.

HuffPost

Customers wishing wine are required to bring their own, although Carlson will offer suggestions of what to bring upon request.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That I brought upon myself.

The Guardian - Film

"Most of them I brought upon myself.

The New York Times

The final whistle signaled what both teams brought upon themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone: "Bring upon" can sound somewhat formal or archaic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cause" or "lead to" in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bring upon" in casual writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious when simpler, more direct phrasing would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring upon" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively to indicate that someone or something is causing a particular situation or consequence, often negative, to occur. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where actions lead to specific outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "bring upon" is used to express that someone or something causes a situation, often negative, to occur. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests it can sound somewhat formal and might be better replaced with simpler alternatives like "cause" or "lead to" in many contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, suitable for serious discussions about consequences and responsibilities. Though Ludwig AI flags its usage as potentially replaceable with more standard alternatives, its presence in a wide array of reliable sources confirms its established, albeit somewhat formal, place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause to befall

Focuses on the act of something happening to someone, emphasizing the consequence.

inflict on

Emphasizes the imposition of something unpleasant or harmful.

bring about

Highlights the causing of something to occur, with a broader application.

give rise to

Indicates the starting or creation of something as a result.

lead to

Focuses on the consequential aspect of an action or event.

result in

Similar to lead to, but with a stronger emphasis on the outcome.

precipitate

Implies a hastening or acceleration of an event.

trigger

Highlights the initiating action that sets off a chain of events.

effectuate

Stresses the successful completion or realization of something.

draw down

Suggests a negative consequence or a pulling down of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "bring upon" to describe causing something to happen to someone or something, often with negative consequences. For instance, "His actions may bring upon unforeseen consequences."

What can I say instead of "bring upon"?

Alternatives include "cause to befall", "inflict on", or "bring about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "bring upon" or "bring about"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Bring upon" implies causing something (often negative) to happen to someone or something, while "bring about" generally means to cause something to happen or exist.

What's the difference between "bring upon" and "cause"?

"Bring upon" is more formal and implies a consequence, often negative. "Cause" is a more general term for making something happen and doesn't necessarily imply a negative outcome. Therefore, "cause" is more widely usable.