Bring Up – Meaning and Examples

Parents care for their children from infancy to adulthood, and people introduce new topics in conversations every day. In English, we use the phrase bring up for both these situations. This versatile idiom is essential for daily communication.

What Does “Bring Up” Mean?

“Bring up” has two main meanings. It can mean to raise and care for a child until they are grown. It can also mean to mention or introduce a topic in conversation. Think of it like parents nurturing their children or someone starting a discussion about an important subject.

When to Use It

Use the parenting meaning when talking about how someone was raised. Use the conversation meaning when introducing new subjects in discussions. Both uses are common in personal, social, and professional situations. It is a neutral phrase appropriate for various contexts.

Example Sentences

She brought up three children all by herself.
I need to bring up the budget issue in our meeting tomorrow.
He was brought up to always respect his elders.
Why did you bring up that embarrassing story at dinner?

Mini Dialogue

Sarah: “I noticed you seemed uncomfortable when Mark talked about politics.”

Tom: “Yes, I wish he hadn’t brought up such a sensitive topic at a friendly dinner.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember, this idiom is about raising children or introducing topics. It is not about physically carrying something upward.

❌ Don’t say: “Please bring up the groceries from the car.” (Use “bring in” instead).
✅ Do say: “My grandparents brought me up after my parents passed away.”

Practice Tip

Think of a topic you want to discuss with a friend or colleague. Practice saying, “I’d like to bring up [your topic] when we talk next.” This helps you remember the conversation meaning of the idiom.

Final Note

You now know how to use “bring up” for both raising children and introducing topics in conversation. This common phrase will help you talk about family backgrounds and guide discussions more effectively. Use it confidently in your personal and professional English conversations!

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