# bring sth up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to start talking about a specific topic or subject during a conversation.

For teachers: to introduce a topic, issue, or suggestion into a discussion or conversation; functions as a transitive phrasal verb.

## Examples

- I didn't want to bring up the bill during dinner.
- She decided to bring the matter up at the next board meeting to ensure everyone was informed.
- The defense attorney attempted to bring up the defendant's prior charitable works to influence the jury's perception of his character.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He brought up to the problem." but "He brought up the problem." — do not use 'to' after the particle 'up'; the object follows the phrasal verb directly.

## Usage notes

- the object can be a noun or a noun phrase representing the topic being introduced.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'mention' (which can be brief) and 'raise' (often used for issues or questions); 'bring up' implies starting a new thread of conversation.

---

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.