In 15 Seconds
- To raise and educate a child until they are an adult.
- Commonly used in the passive voice like 'I was brought up'.
- Focuses on the values and environment of a person's childhood.
Meaning
To take care of a child and teach them how to behave until they are an adult. It is the long journey of raising a human being from a baby to a grown-up.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about childhood
I was brought up in a small town by the sea.
I was raised in a small town by the sea.
Discussing parenting styles
They are bringing their children up to be bilingual.
They are raising their children to be bilingual.
Texting a friend about a nephew
My sister is bringing him up so well, he's so polite!
My sister is raising him so well, he's so polite!
Cultural Background
The 'stiff upper lip' tradition means that bringing up personal emotions or financial struggles is often avoided in polite social circles. American culture often values 'bringing things up' directly to resolve conflicts quickly, especially in business. In many East Asian cultures, 'bringing up' a mistake made by a superior can be seen as causing them to 'lose face.' Upbringing in Scandinavia often emphasizes 'Janteloven' (the Law of Jante), which teaches children not to think they are better than anyone else.
The Passive Power
90% of the time you talk about your own childhood, you will use 'I was brought up'. Memorize this as a single block.
The Pronoun Trap
Never say 'bring up it'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always 'bring it up'.
In 15 Seconds
- To raise and educate a child until they are an adult.
- Commonly used in the passive voice like 'I was brought up'.
- Focuses on the values and environment of a person's childhood.
What It Means
Bring up is all about the process of raising a child. It covers everything from feeding them to teaching them right from wrong. Think of it as the 'upward' journey of a child growing taller and wiser. It focuses on the effort and values parents or guardians provide.
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb, and it is 'separable.' You can say bring up a child or bring a child up. Most often, you will hear it in the passive voice. For example, I was brought up in London. This means your childhood happened there. It sounds very natural and warm.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your childhood or family history. It is perfect for sharing stories about your parents' rules. Use it at a dinner party when comparing how you grew up. You can also use it in professional settings like psychology or education. It is the standard way to describe a person's upbringing.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use bring up for animals or plants. You raise cattle or grow tomatoes, but you bring up humans. Also, do not confuse it with its other meaning: mentioning a topic. If you 'bring up' a problem in a meeting, you are starting a conversation, not parenting it! Avoid using it for short-term babysitting. It is for the long-term job of parenting.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, how you were brought up is a huge part of your identity. People often discuss being brought up with 'strict' or 'liberal' values. It implies the moral foundation your family gave you. In the UK and US, it often links to your social class or regional roots. It is a point of pride for many.
Common Variations
The noun form is upbringing. You might say, 'He had a very polite upbringing.' You can also use raised as a synonym. Raised is more common in American English, while brought up is very common in British English. Both are perfectly understood everywhere. Just remember: bring up is about the heart and the head, not just the height!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social setting. Just be careful to use the past participle 'brought' when talking about your own history.
The Passive Power
90% of the time you talk about your own childhood, you will use 'I was brought up'. Memorize this as a single block.
The Pronoun Trap
Never say 'bring up it'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always 'bring it up'.
Sensitive Topics
When bringing up a sensitive topic, use a 'softener' like 'I hate to bring this up, but...' to sound more polite.
Examples
6I was brought up in a small town by the sea.
I was raised in a small town by the sea.
Uses the passive voice to describe where someone grew up.
They are bringing their children up to be bilingual.
They are raising their children to be bilingual.
Shows the active effort of teaching a specific skill.
My sister is bringing him up so well, he's so polite!
My sister is raising him so well, he's so polite!
Casual praise for someone's parenting.
I was brought up by wolves, which explains my eating habits.
I was raised by wolves, which explains my eating habits.
A common English joke to explain messy behavior.
She was brought up by her grandmother after her parents passed away.
She was raised by her grandmother after her parents passed away.
Highlights the person who provided the care.
My upbringing brought me up to value hard work above all else.
My upbringing taught me to value hard work above all else.
Connects the process of being raised to personal values.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'bring up'.
She was _______ in a small village by her grandparents.
We use the passive 'was brought up' to describe someone's childhood.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The topic of the budget...
Pronouns like 'it' must go between 'brought' and 'up'.
Match the meaning of 'bring up' to the situation.
1. 'He brought up his lunch.' 2. 'He was brought up in Ohio.' 3. 'He brought up the bill.'
Context is key to determining which sense of 'bring up' is being used.
Fill in the missing phrase.
A: 'Why are you so angry?' B: 'Because you had to _______ my failure in front of everyone!'
In this context, 'bring up' means to mention a sensitive topic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bring Up vs. Grow Up
Practice Bank
4 exercisesShe was _______ in a small village by her grandparents.
We use the passive 'was brought up' to describe someone's childhood.
The topic of the budget...
Pronouns like 'it' must go between 'brought' and 'up'.
1. 'He brought up his lunch.' 2. 'He was brought up in Ohio.' 3. 'He brought up the bill.'
Context is key to determining which sense of 'bring up' is being used.
A: 'Why are you so angry?' B: 'Because you had to _______ my failure in front of everyone!'
In this context, 'bring up' means to mention a sensitive topic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are almost identical. 'Raise' is more common in the US, while 'bring up' is very common in the UK. 'Raise' can also be used for animals and crops, but 'bring up' is for humans.
No. You must say 'I was brought up in London' or 'I grew up in London'.
It is neutral. It's fine for a business meeting or a chat with a friend. In a very formal essay, you might use 'mention' or 'reared'.
It's the noun form. It refers to the environment and treatment you had as a child. 'She had a happy upbringing.'
Yes, but it's informal. 'The baby brought up his dinner' is common among parents.
Use it to introduce a new point: 'I'd like to bring up the new marketing plan.'
It is always 'brought up'. 'Brung' is non-standard and considered incorrect in most dialects.
Yes, that is the literal meaning. 'I'll bring up your bags' or 'I'll bring up the guest'.
'Educate' is about school and academic knowledge. 'Bring up' is about home life, manners, and values.
Because 'up' symbolizes growth (getting taller) and moving from a hidden thought to an open conversation.
Related Phrases
upbringing
specialized formThe way in which someone is treated and educated when they are young.
raise
synonymTo lift or to care for a child.
broach
similarTo bring up a sensitive or difficult subject for the first time.
grow up
contrastTo become an adult.
