bring about
Cause something to happen
Literally: to carry or move something near or toward
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe causing a major change or result.
- It is more formal and powerful than the word 'cause'.
- Works for both professional goals and personal life improvements.
Meaning
When you 'bring about' something, you make it happen or cause it to start. It is usually used for big changes, results, or specific situations that wouldn't have happened on their own.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a new company policy
The new flexible hours will bring about a boost in employee morale.
The new flexible hours will cause an increase in employee spirits.
Talking about social movements
The protesters hope to bring about real political change.
The protesters hope to make real political change happen.
Texting a friend about a lifestyle change
I'm hoping this new gym routine will bring about some weight loss!
I'm hoping this new gym routine will result in some weight loss!
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'bringing about change' is seen as a key trait of 'disruptors' and successful entrepreneurs. It is a highly positive phrase in Silicon Valley. In British politics, the phrase is often used in Parliament to discuss 'bringing about' legislation or social reform, carrying a sense of formal duty. In international business, 'bringing about' is a 'power collocation' used in annual reports to signal to shareholders that management is taking active steps to improve the company. Scientists use 'bring about' to describe the results of experiments or natural processes without assigning human emotion to the cause.
The 'Change' Rule
If you aren't sure when to use it, just remember that 'bring about' + 'change' is one of the most common pairings in English.
Don't be too literal
Never use this for physical objects. You don't 'bring about' a pizza to your house.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to describe causing a major change or result.
- It is more formal and powerful than the word 'cause'.
- Works for both professional goals and personal life improvements.
What It Means
Think of bring about as the spark that starts a fire. It means to cause something to happen. You aren't just watching things change. You are the reason they are changing. It is often used for big, important things like social shifts or major life results. If you work hard, you bring about success. If a leader signs a law, they bring about peace. It is more powerful than just saying 'cause.'
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb, and it is transitive. That means it needs an object. You bring about [something]. Interestingly, you can split it! You can say 'bring about a change' or 'bring a change about.' Both are fine. Use it when you want to sound responsible and active. It sounds much more impressive in a meeting than just saying 'I did it.'
When To Use It
Use this when discussing results or consequences. It fits perfectly in professional settings. Talk about how a new software will bring about efficiency. Use it in serious conversations about the world. For example, 'New technology will bring about a revolution in medicine.' It’s great for sounding like a visionary. Even at home, you might say a new diet will bring about better health.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, accidental things. If you drop a glass and it breaks, you didn't bring about a mess. That’s too dramatic! You just made a mess. Avoid it for simple physical movements too. You don't bring about a chair to the table. Also, it's usually for positive or neutral changes. If you cause something bad, 'lead to' or 'result in' often feels more natural.
Cultural Background
English speakers love to talk about progress. This phrase reflects that. It implies that humans have the power to change their environment. It’s a very 'can-do' expression. It gained popularity in the 1800s during times of great social reform. It carries a sense of weight and history. When you use it, you sound like someone who makes things move.
Common Variations
In casual speech, people often just say 'cause' or 'make happen.' However, a common variation is bring around, but be careful! That means to change someone's mind. Another one is bring on, which usually refers to causing an illness or a specific mood. Stick to bring about when you are talking about a general change or a new state of affairs.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral to formal phrasal verb. It is highly effective in business and academic writing but should be used sparingly in very casual conversation to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
The 'Change' Rule
If you aren't sure when to use it, just remember that 'bring about' + 'change' is one of the most common pairings in English.
Don't be too literal
Never use this for physical objects. You don't 'bring about' a pizza to your house.
Passive Power
In formal writing, use the passive voice: 'The transformation was brought about by...' It sounds very professional.
Leadership Language
Use this phrase in your CV or resume to describe your achievements. It sounds much stronger than 'I did' or 'I made'.
Examples
6The new flexible hours will bring about a boost in employee morale.
The new flexible hours will cause an increase in employee spirits.
Used here to predict a positive organizational result.
The protesters hope to bring about real political change.
The protesters hope to make real political change happen.
Standard use for social or political shifts.
I'm hoping this new gym routine will bring about some weight loss!
I'm hoping this new gym routine will result in some weight loss!
A bit formal for a text, but used here for emphasis.
This chemical reaction will bring about a change in color.
This chemical reaction will cause a change in color.
Scientific context describing a predictable result.
Your 'mystery stew' might bring about an early end to our dinner party.
Your 'mystery stew' might cause our dinner party to end early.
Using a formal phrase for a funny, dramatic effect.
My lack of preparation brought about my own failure.
My lack of preparation caused my own failure.
Taking responsibility for a negative outcome.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'bring about'.
The new environmental policy is expected to _______ a significant reduction in pollution.
We use 'bring about' to mean 'cause a change' like a reduction in pollution.
Which sentence uses 'bring about' correctly?
Select the natural-sounding sentence.
'Bring about' is for major changes, not for carrying umbrellas, salt, or people.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Do you think the new CEO will be successful? B: Yes, I believe she has the vision to _______ the changes we need.
In a business context, 'bring about changes' is the standard professional expression.
Match the cause to the result using 'bring about'.
Match 'The Internet' with its result.
'Bring about' is used for large-scale shifts like communication changes, not small accidents.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bring About vs. Cause
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe new environmental policy is expected to _______ a significant reduction in pollution.
We use 'bring about' to mean 'cause a change' like a reduction in pollution.
Select the natural-sounding sentence.
'Bring about' is for major changes, not for carrying umbrellas, salt, or people.
A: Do you think the new CEO will be successful? B: Yes, I believe she has the vision to _______ the changes we need.
In a business context, 'bring about changes' is the standard professional expression.
Match 'The Internet' with its result.
'Bring about' is used for large-scale shifts like communication changes, not small accidents.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is generally considered formal or semi-formal. It is common in business, news, and academic writing.
Yes, you can. For example, 'The crisis brought about the collapse of the government.' However, it is very often used for intentional, positive changes.
'Cause' is neutral and can be used for anything. 'Bring about' is more formal and usually implies a process or a significant result.
'Bring about' is the present tense. 'Brought about' is the past tense. Since we often talk about changes that already happened, 'brought about' is very common.
Yes, you can say 'bring a change about,' but it is much more common to keep them together: 'bring about a change.'
No. 'Bring along' means to take someone or something with you to a place.
You can, but it might sound a bit serious. For example, 'I'm trying to bring about a change in my diet' is fine, but 'I'll bring about the beer' is wrong.
Change, reform, downfall, end, improvement, revolution, and collapse.
No, there is no single noun like 'bring-about'. You would use 'the cause' or 'the catalyst'.
Yes, it is used equally in both British and American English.
No, you don't 'bring about' a person. You 'bring about' a situation or a change.
Not exactly. 'Carry out' means to perform a task. 'Bring about' means to cause a result.
Example: 'The new policy was brought about by the committee.'
Yes, it is one of the top 500 most useful phrasal verbs for intermediate and advanced learners.
Related Phrases
lead to
similarTo result in something.
give rise to
synonymTo cause something to start existing.
result in
similarTo have a particular outcome.
effect change
specialized formTo make a change happen.
trigger
similarTo cause a sudden reaction.
