brings back

USAGE SUMMARY

"brings back" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to return or to cause to return to a previous state or position. Example: The smell of freshly baked cookies always brings back fond memories of my childhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It brings back memories.

The New York Times

"It brings back the grief".

The New York Times

This brings back a memory.

The New Yorker

It brings back great memories.

The New York Times - Sports

This brings back memories.

The Guardian - Opinion

That brings back memories.

The Guardian - Arts

Man, this place brings back memories.

The New York Times - Sports

Alter offers "my life He brings back.

The New Yorker

It brings back a nice familiar feeling".

Independent

"Obviously, it brings back good memories.

The New York Times - Sports

"It brings back nice memories".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brings back" when you want to emphasize the revival of a memory, feeling, or state. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "brings back" solely in the literal sense of physically returning something. While grammatically correct, it's more commonly used to describe memories or emotions. Use "return" or "take back" for physical objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "brings back" functions primarily as a causative expression, indicating that something causes memories, feelings, or states to return. Ludwig examples showcase its use in evoking nostalgia and remembrance. This aligns with Ludwig AI confirmation of its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "brings back" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe how something evokes memories or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects the intended sense of revival or remembrance. Alternatives like "evokes" or "reminds one of" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Steer clear of literal misapplications, and leverage it to enrich your writing with nuanced emotional depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminds one of

Highlights the act of causing someone to remember something.

calls to mind

Emphasizes the mental process of remembering something.

is reminiscent of

Highlights the quality of reminding someone of something else.

evokes

Focuses on the act of summoning or calling forth a memory or feeling.

rekindles

Suggests a revival of something that was fading or dormant.

harks back to

Indicates a return to a past time or event.

recollects

Emphasizes the act of remembering something, often vividly.

restores

Implies returning something to a former condition or place.

reawakens

Suggests a renewed awareness or feeling of something.

recaptures

Focuses on regaining or experiencing something again.

FAQs

How can I use "brings back" in a sentence?

You can use "brings back" to describe how something evokes a memory or feeling. For instance, "This song "brings back" memories of my childhood" or "Visiting my hometown "brings back" a lot of memories".

What are some alternatives to "brings back"?

Alternatives to "brings back" include "evokes", "reminds one of", or "calls to mind". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "brings back" or should I use another tense?

The use of "brings back" is grammatically correct in the present tense, especially when describing a general effect. You can also use other tenses like "brought back" (past tense) or "will bring back" (future tense) depending on the context.

What's the difference between "brings back" and "takes back"?

"Brings back" typically refers to evoking memories or feelings, while "takes back" usually refers to the physical act of returning something. For example, "This photo "brings back" memories," but "I need to "take back" the book I borrowed".