bring back — make someone remember
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
to cause someone to remember something from the past.
Say it like a native
Textbook That song causes me to recollect my childhood.
Native That song really brings back my childhood.
'Bring back (memories)' is the natural verb for triggering memories; 'causes me to recollect' is stiff.
Pattern: bring back [object/subject]
In use
- This song brings back so many memories from my childhood.communication
- Looking at old pictures can bring back strong emotions, especially if they remind you of important moments in your life.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ That smell brings back me memories.
✓ That smell brings back memories. / That smell brings memories back.
The thing remembered is the object ('bring back memories'); don't slot a person in there.
Common collocations
bring back + memories— memories, the past, it all, happy memories
Don't confuse it
'Remind' is used for prompting someone to do something; 'bring back' is about memories or feelings returning.
Related
- bring back (return something) — Another meaning of 'bring back' is 'return something'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.