bring up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings

1 mention a topicto start talking about a subject, especially in a conversation or meeting.
2 raise a childto care for and educate a child as they grow up.

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mention a topic

B1bring up sthMost common

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

She brought up the idea of working from home during the meeting.

A: Did you talk to your boss about your schedule?
B: Not yet. I’m planning to bring it up tomorrow.

If I have a problem with a classmate, I usually bring it up directly so we can solve it together.

Common mistake

✗Sorry to bring up this again.

✓Sorry to bring this up again.

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

Tell it apart

She brought up the budget at the meeting.

mentioned the topic

She brought up three kids on her own.

raised children

Use 'bring up' when you want to talk about a new subject or issue, especially if it hasn't been discussed yet.Not the same as 'bring' (to carry something to a place).

Often paired with

bring up + topic

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raise a child

B2bring up sth

to care for and educate a child as they grow up.

My parents brought me up to be independent.

A: Who brought you up after your parents moved abroad?
B: My grandmother did. She took care of me until I finished school.

In my country, it’s common for grandparents to help bring up children, especially when both parents are working.

Common mistake

✗My grandmother brought up me.

✓My grandmother brought me up.

With a pronoun, split the verb: 'brought me up', not 'brought up me'.

Tell it apart

They brought up their children to be kind.

raised them

She brought up the topic at dinner.

mentioned it

Use 'bring up' when talking about raising children, not about becoming older yourself.Different from 'grow up', which means to become older.

Often paired with

bring up + child

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mention a topic raise a child