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Part 1 of 2 · Same verb · different particle

“bring” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “bring” has 9 of them, so they come in 2 parts. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

9 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
bring
aboutbackdownforwardin

bring + about · 1 of 5

bring about

cause (something to happen)

  • bring about sth

To make something happen, especially a change or result.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The new manager hopes to bring about positive changes in the company.

A: Why did the school change its rules?
B: They wanted to bring about a safer environment for students.

Common mistake

Not: Technology brought about to many changes.

Say: Technology brought about many changes.

'Bring about' takes the result directly — no 'to'.

More on “bring about”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, investing in public transport can bring about many benefits for the city, such as less traffic and cleaner air.

Tell it apart

The new law brought about real change.

  • caused it

The new law came about after years of protest.

  • happened / originated

Goes with

  • bring about + change
Practice saying this
Next: bring back

bring + back · 2 of 5

bring back

return something

  • bring back sth

to take something or someone to the place where they were before, or to give something back to its owner.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please bring back my book when you finish reading it.

A: Are you going to the office today?
B: Yes, do you want me to bring back your charger?

Common mistake

Not: Please bring back me my charger.

Say: Please bring my charger back. / Please bring it back to me.

The thing returned is the object; the person needs 'to me'.

More on “bring back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I borrow something from a friend, I always make sure to bring it back as soon as possible.

Tell it apart

Bring the ladder back when you're done.

  • return it towards me

Take the ladder back to the shed.

  • move it there, away from me

Goes with

  • bring back + item
Practice saying this
Next: bring down

bring + down · 3 of 5

bring down

reduce the level or amount of something

  • bring down sth

to make something, such as a price, temperature, or amount, lower than before.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The new manager managed to bring down expenses by 15%.

A: The air conditioning bill is so high this month!
B: Maybe setting the temperature a bit higher will bring down the cost.

Common mistake

Not: They brought down the prices of 20%.

Say: They brought prices down by 20%.

Prices come down BY an amount, not 'of'.

More on “bring down”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If the government wants to bring down pollution levels, they should encourage people to use public transport more often.

Tell it apart

We need to bring costs down.

  • reduce them

We need to bring the government down.

  • force it from power — different sense

Goes with

  • bring down + price/level
Practice saying this
Next: bring forward

bring + forward · 4 of 5

bring forward

move to an earlier time

  • bring sth forward

To change the time or date of something so that it happens sooner than originally planned.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The meeting was brought forward to Monday so everyone could attend.

A: When is your dentist appointment?
B: It was on Friday, but they brought it forward to Wednesday.

Common mistake

Not: They brought forward it to 9am.

Say: They brought it forward to 9am.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'bring it forward'.

More on “bring forward”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I could change something about my school schedule, I would bring forward the start time of classes so we could finish earlier in the day.

Tell it apart

Let's bring the meeting forward to Monday.

  • make it earlier

Let's put the meeting back to Friday.

  • delay it

Goes with

  • bring forward + event
Practice saying this
Next: bring in

bring + in · 5 of 5

bring in

introduce or implement

  • bring in sth

to introduce or start using something new, like a law, rule, or system.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The company decided to bring in new safety regulations after the accident.

A: Did you hear they're going to bring in a new dress code at work?
B: Yeah, I hope it's not too strict.

Common mistake

Not: They want to bring in with a new system.

Say: They want to bring in a new system.

'Bring in' takes the thing directly — no 'with'.

More on “bring in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I were in charge, I would bring in more flexible working hours to help employees balance their work and personal lives.

Tell it apart

They brought in a recycling scheme.

  • introduced it

The shop brings in good money.

  • earns it

Goes with

  • bring in + rule/system
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “bring” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “bring” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “bring”

9 phrasal verbs in 2 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

bring aboutbring backbring downbring forwardbring in