bring about
B2 (Upper Intermediate)Neutral to formal. Common in written and spoken contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To cause something to happen; to make something occur.
To achieve a result or change, especially through effort or a series of actions. To be the direct agent of a significant event or transformation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Phrasal verb. Inseparable (object follows 'about'). Has a causative sense, implying a clear agent and effect. Often used for significant, deliberate, or substantial changes, not trivial occurrences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Both varieties use it with similar frequency and nuance, often for planned or significant outcomes.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British formal/academic writing, but widely used in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP bring about NPAgent + bring about + Result/EventVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bring about a sea change (a profound transformation)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The new CEO aims to bring about a complete restructuring of the company.'
Academic
'The research seeks to bring about a paradigm shift in our understanding of climate dynamics.'
Everyday
'I hope this meeting will bring about a solution to the problem.'
Technical
'The software update is designed to bring about enhanced security protocols.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new policy could bring about much-needed reforms.
- What brought about this sudden change of heart?
American English
- The treaty helped bring about an end to the conflict.
- Technological advances brought about a major shift in the industry.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rain brought about the cancellation of the picnic.
- Can you bring about a happy ending to the story?
- The invention of the internet brought about a communication revolution.
- We need to bring about a change in our spending habits.
- Public pressure finally brought about a change in the legislation.
- The catalyst brought about the desired chemical reaction.
- His inflammatory remarks brought about a diplomatic crisis.
- The movement succeeded in bringing about a profound societal transformation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a captain bringing a ship about (changing its direction). You are the captain causing a change in direction for a situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSATION IS MOTION/TRANSPORT (You 'bring' an event from a potential state into the present reality).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'bring' (приносить) alone. 'Bring about' is a single unit meaning 'вызывать, осуществлять'. Avoid literal translation 'приносить около'.
- It is closer to 'приводить к чему-либо', 'осуществить', 'вызвать'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect word order: 'bring a change about' (acceptable but less common than 'bring about a change').
- Using it for trivial causes: 'He brought about a cup of tea.' (Incorrect; use 'brought').
- Confusing with 'bring around' (to persuade or revive).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'bring about' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally inseparable. The object (the thing caused) comes after 'about'. 'Bring about a change' is standard; 'bring a change about' is less common and can sound awkward.
They are often synonyms. 'Bring about' can imply more deliberate effort or a chain of events leading to a result, while 'cause' is more neutral and direct. 'Bring about' is also slightly more formal.
Yes, it is neutral. You can 'bring about peace' or 'bring about disaster'. The context determines the positive or negative connotation.
No, this is redundant. 'Bring about' already means 'to cause to happen', so 'bring about to happen' is incorrect. Simply use 'bring about' + the event/result.