brought it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brought it up" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used with a verb such as "discuss" or "mention" to indicate that a certain topic or conversation was initiated. For example, you could say "I brought it up during the meeting, but everyone seemed to be against the idea".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They haven't brought it up.

The New York Times - Sports

"He brought it up.

The New Yorker

We haven't brought it up".

The New York Times - Sports

I brought it up.

The Guardian - Opinion

People have brought it up at times.

Independent

She brought it up to date.

The New York Times - Arts

"We never even brought it up.

The New York Times

So I brought it up with Ed.

The New York Times

We have brought it up twice.

The New York Times

Anthony agreed, once reporters brought it up.

The New York Times - Sports

Because you brought it up".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brought it up" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating a discussion or introducing a specific topic. For example, "She brought it up during the meeting, and it sparked a lively debate."

Common error

Avoid using "brought it up" interchangeably with phrases like "brought up" (without "it") when referring to raising children or vomiting. Ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning of initiating a discussion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "brought it up" is that of a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, where "it" serves as the direct object. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to indicate the act of introducing a topic or subject into a conversation or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "brought it up" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the introduction of a topic or subject into a conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "mentioned it" or "raised the issue" exist, "brought it up" effectively captures the act of initiating a discussion. Remember to differentiate its meaning from similar-sounding phrases like "brought up", which can refer to raising children or vomiting. Using "brought it up" appropriately ensures clarity and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentioned it

Focuses on the act of mentioning something, often briefly or casually.

raised the issue

Highlights the introduction of a problem or point of contention.

brought the matter up

Uses "matter" to emphasize the importance or seriousness of the topic.

introduced the topic

Emphasizes the act of making a topic known or available for discussion.

broached the subject

Implies a delicate or sensitive approach to introducing a topic.

brought it to the table

Indicates introducing a topic for formal discussion or consideration.

touched on it

Suggests a brief or light discussion of the topic.

referred to it

Highlights the act of making a reference to something already known.

alluded to it

Indicates an indirect or subtle reference to the topic.

tabled it

Means to postpone the discussion to a later date.

FAQs

How to use "brought it up" in a sentence?

Use "brought it up" when you want to say that someone mentioned a topic. For instance, "He "brought it up" during the meeting, which led to a long discussion".

What can I say instead of "brought it up"?

You can use alternatives like "mentioned it", "raised the issue", or "introduced the topic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "brought it up" or "brought up"?

"Brought it up" and "brought up" are both correct, but they have different meanings. "Brought it up" means to mention a topic, while "brought up" can mean to raise a child or to vomit. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "brought it up" and "touched on it"?

"Brought it up" implies initiating a discussion on a topic. "Touched on it" suggests a brief or light discussion of the topic, without going into significant detail.