Bring About – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever seen a new law change how people live, a leader inspire a movement, or a small decision lead to big consequences? In English, we say those actions brought about the change. This formal phrasal verb means to cause something—especially a significant event, result, or transformation—to happen.
What Does “Bring About” Mean?
“Bring about” means to cause something to happen, especially a noticeable change, event, or outcome. Think of it like turning a key that starts an engine—the action you take sets everything in motion. The phrase isn’t casual; it’s often used when talking about serious, meaningful, or large-scale results.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in neutral or formal conversations when discussing causes and effects—like social change, policy shifts, personal transformations, or historical events. It’s common in news reports, academic writing, workplace discussions, or thoughtful storytelling. While “bring about” is grammatically a phrasal verb, it sounds more formal than most—so it’s less common in relaxed chats with friends.
Example Sentences
- The new policy brought about major improvements in workplace safety.
- Her determination brought about a complete turnaround in the team’s performance.
- What brought about the sudden drop in prices?
- Technology has brought about huge changes in how we communicate.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How did the town reduce pollution so quickly?”
Jamie: “A community campaign brought about new recycling laws—and everyone followed them.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “bring about” for small, everyday actions like making coffee or sending a text. It’s reserved for meaningful causes that lead to real consequences—not routine tasks.
❌ Don’t say: “I brought about my lunch.” (Use “made” or “prepared.”)
✅ Do say: “The protest brought about real policy changes.”
Practice Tip
Next time you read news about social change or innovation, listen for “brought about.” Try using it yourself: “Renewable energy is bringing about a cleaner future.” It’s a powerful way to talk about cause and effect in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “bring about” to discuss meaningful change with precision and maturity! It’s a formal but essential phrase for talking about how actions lead to real-world results. Keep using it—and remember, even small efforts can bring about big transformations.