SpeakUp

Meaning trap

bring up

mention a topic

to start talking about a subject, especially in a conversation or meeting.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

mention a topic

to start talking about a subject, especially in a conversation or meeting.

bring up (raise a child)

Another meaning of 'bring up' is 'raise a child'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She brought up the idea of working from home during the meeting.communication
  • If I have a problem with a classmate, I usually bring it up directly so we can solve it together.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: bring up [noun/topic]

WrongSorry to bring up this again.

RightSorry to bring this up again.

With 'this/it', the object goes in the middle: 'bring it up'.

Patternbring up [noun/topic]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I would like to raise a matter for discussion.

Natural Can I bring something up?

'Bring up' is the natural verb for introducing a topic in talk; 'raise a matter for discussion' is meeting-minutes formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • bring up + topic
    the subjecta pointit againmoney

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'bring' (to carry something to a place).

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