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Phrasal Verbs 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "bring up" mean?

Two main meanings:1. To mention or introduce a topic:"She brought up the salary issue in the meeting.""Can I bring something up with you?""He kept bringing up the same complaint."2. To raise a child:"She was brought up in Scotland." (passive - raised there)"They brought up three children on their...

Two main meanings

1. To mention or introduce a topic

"She brought up the salary issue in the meeting."
"Can I bring something up with you?"
"He kept bringing up the same complaint."

2. To raise a child

"She was brought up in Scotland." (passive - raised there)
"They brought up three children on their own."
"He was brought up to respect elders."

Separable

The object goes in the middle or after the particle:
"She brought up the question." βœ“
"She brought the question up." βœ“
"She brought it up." βœ“ (pronoun must go in the middle)

Bring up = vomit (informal, also common):
"The child brought up her dinner." - careful with context

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Both meanings are everyday, neutral English.

Frequently asked

What does "bring up" mean?

Two main meanings:1. To mention or introduce a topic:"She brought up the salary issue in the meeting.""Can I bring something up with you?""He kept bringing up the same complaint."2. To raise a child:"She was brought up in Scotland." (passive - raised there)"They brought up three children on their...

Is "bring up" formal or informal?

Both meanings are everyday, neutral English.

What's another way to say "bring up"?

  • "Upbringing" (noun) - the way someone was raised: "She had a strict upbringing."
  • "Raise" - American preference for meaning 2: "I was raised in Texas."
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