# bring sth about

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bring-sth-about
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make something happen, especially a big change.

For teachers: to cause something to happen; to be the catalyst for a significant change or event. Transitive and often used in formal or academic contexts.

## Examples

- The new law will bring about many changes.
- The invention of the internet brought about a revolution in how we share information.
- Historians argue whether the economic crisis alone was enough to bring about the collapse of the regime or if social unrest played a larger role.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The meeting brought about to a decision." but "The meeting brought about a decision." — this phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object; do not add the preposition 'to' after 'about'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an abstract noun like 'change', 'reform', or 'destruction'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'cause'; while 'cause' often links to negative results, 'bring about' is more neutral and frequently used for intentional, large-scale societal or political shifts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.