To bring up a subject is to introduce it into a conversation.

The idea

This expression is neutral and common in everyday speech. A noun can follow up or come between the words: bring up the issue or bring the issue up. A pronoun goes between them: bring it up.

Examples

  • I brought up the budget at our meeting.
  • Mina brought the question of timing up over lunch.
  • If the rent worries you, bring it up with the landlord.
  • Our coach brought up safety before the hike.
  • Why did you bring up that old story again?
  • They plan to bring the idea up at dinner.

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Watch out

Do not say bring up it: a pronoun object must go before up. The expression also has other meanings, but here it concerns conversation.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Please bring ___ the schedule tomorrow. (up / on)

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    up

    up completes the expression introducing the schedule.

  2. Choose the correct option. The price is a concern; bring ___ up with Jo. (it / up it)

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    it

    it refers to the price and fits before the particle.

  3. Choose the correct option. Yesterday, Lee ___ up the delay. (brought / brings)

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    brought

    brought is the past form, matching yesterday.

Use it today

Think of a subject you would like to bring up with a friend.