Differences between bring back and bring up
Bring back means to return something or someone to a previous place or condition, while bring up means to raise or mention a topic or a child.
Meanings and Definitions: bring back vs bring up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bring back
- 1Cause someone to remember.
Visiting my old school BROUGHT BACK memories of when I was a pupil there.
- 2Return.
He took the calculator home yesterday and hasn't BROUGHT it BACK yet.
Bring up
- 1Mention.
They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.
- 2Raise a child.
My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.
- 3Be officially charged with a crime.
He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.
Usage Examples: bring back, bring up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bring back
Example
Please bring back the book I lent you last week.
Example
She brings back the shopping cart after using it.
bring up
Example
She always brings up interesting topics during our meetings.
Example
He brings up important issues during the discussions.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring back
To restore something to its previous position or status.
Example
The company decided to reinstate the old policy after realizing that the new one wasn't effective.
To get something back that was lost or left behind.
Example
He had to retrieve his phone from the lost and found at the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring up
To refer to or speak about something briefly or casually.
Example
He mentioned his upcoming trip to Europe during the meeting.
To start talking about a new topic or idea.
Example
She introduced the concept of mindfulness during the yoga class.
To bring up a topic or issue for discussion or consideration.
Example
He raised his concerns about the project's timeline during the team meeting.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bring”
Differences in bring back vs bring up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bring back or bring up?
In daily conversation, people use bring up more often than bring back. This is because bring up is used for more common situations such as starting a conversation or mentioning a topic. Bring back is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about returning something or someone to a previous place or condition. So, while both phrases are used, bring up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring back and bring up
Bring back and bring up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bring back and bring up
The tone of bring back and bring up can differ based on context. Bring back often carries a nostalgic or regretful tone when related to returning something or someone, while bring up typically has a neutral or curious tone, especially when referring to raising a topic or a child.