What are the definitions of “bring on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cause something to happen or speed up the process.
Getting wet in the rain yesterday BROUGHT ON my cold.
- 2Make something appear.
BRING ON the dancers!
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bring on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bring on is to cause something to happen or speed up the process. It is often used to describe the cause of an event or situation, such as a cold or a headache.
What are the different verb forms of “bring on”?
| Root Verb | bring on |
| Third Person Singular Present | brings on |
| Present Participle | bringing on |
| Simple Past | brought on |
| Past Participle | brought on |
Example
The stress at work brought on a headache.
Example
Too much sugar brings on a stomachache for her.
Example
The loud music is bringing on a headache for me.
Example
The sudden change in weather brought on her allergies.
Example
The heavy lifting has brought on some back pain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bring on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“bring on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The spicy food brought on heartburn.
Example
The rain brought on a cold for him.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bring on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The spicy food brought on heartburn.
Example
The rain brought on a cold for him.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bring on”?
Bring on the next contestant
Introducing the next participant in a competition or event.
Example
She finished her performance, and the host said, 'Bring on the next contestant!'
Bring on the entertainment
Requesting or introducing an entertaining act or performance.
Example
The audience was excited and shouted, 'Bring on the dancers!'
Good things to know
Does “bring on” have an informal or formal tone?
Bring on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. However, it can also be used in more formal settings depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing the cause of a medical condition, it can have a more formal tone.
