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bring up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
bring up
mention a topicraise a child

Meaning 1 · most common

mention a topic

  • bring up sth
A scene showing “bring up” meaning “mention a topic”.

to start talking about a subject, especially in a conversation or meeting.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She brought up the idea of working from home during the meeting.

A: Did you talk to your boss about your schedule?
B: Not yet. I’m planning to bring it up tomorrow.

Common mistake

Not: Sorry to bring up this again.

Say: Sorry to bring this up again.

With 'this/it', the object goes in the middle: 'bring it up'.

More on “mention a topic”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I have a problem with a classmate, I usually bring it up directly so we can solve it together.

Tell it apart

She brought up the budget at the meeting.

  • mentioned the topic

She brought up three kids on her own.

  • raised children

Goes with

  • bring up + topic
Practice saying this
Next meaning: raise a child

Meaning 2

raise a child

  • bring up sth
A scene showing “bring up” meaning “raise a child”.

to care for and educate a child as they grow up.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My parents brought me up to be independent.

A: Who brought you up after your parents moved abroad?
B: My grandmother did. She took care of me until I finished school.

Common mistake

Not: My grandmother brought up me.

Say: My grandmother brought me up.

With a pronoun, split the verb: 'brought me up', not 'brought up me'.

More on “raise a child”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my country, it’s common for grandparents to help bring up children, especially when both parents are working.

Tell it apart

They brought up their children to be kind.

  • raised them

She brought up the topic at dinner.

  • mentioned it

Goes with

  • bring up + child
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mention a topicraise a child