What are the definitions of “bring up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bring up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bring up is to mention a topic or introduce a subject in a conversation. For example, it can mean talking about a problem, discussing an idea, or asking a question.
What are the different verb forms of “bring up”?
| Root Verb | bring up |
| Third Person Singular Present | brings up |
| Present Participle | bringing up |
| Simple Past | brought up |
| Past Participle | brought up |
Example
She always brings up interesting topics during our meetings.
Example
He brings up important issues during the discussions.
Example
They are bringing up the new project proposal in the meeting.
Example
Yesterday, she brought up the idea of a team-building event.
Example
The issue has been brought up several times before.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bring up”?
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 up” 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
She brought up the issue during the meeting.
Example
He brought the topic up in the conversation.
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 up” 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
She brought up the issue during the meeting.
Example
He brought the topic up in the conversation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bring up”?
Bring someone up
To raise a child, providing care, guidance, and education.
Example
My grandparents brought me up with strong values and a good work ethic.
Bring up charges
To officially charge someone with a crime.
Example
The suspect was brought up on charges of theft and vandalism.
Good things to know
Does “bring up” have an informal or formal tone?
Bring up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, and legal proceedings.
