bring over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal. Common in spoken and written English. The phrasal verb 'bring' has higher frequency; 'bring over' is less common than simple 'bring' but still frequent.
Quick answer
What does “bring over” mean?
to cause someone or something to move to the place where the speaker is or to a different place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to cause someone or something to move to the place where the speaker is or to a different place; to introduce something (like an idea, custom, or product) to a new person, group, or location.
To convince someone to adopt a particular opinion or perspective; to transport something (often abstract, like a concept) across a boundary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference in American English for 'bring over' in the sense of 'introducing someone to a group/social setting' (e.g., 'bring over a date').
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a casual, social connotation when referring to people ('I'll bring him over tonight').
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency. Possibly slightly higher in American English in informal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bring over” in a Sentence
[Subject] bring [Object] over[Subject] bring over [Object] to [Location/Person][Subject] bring [Object] over from [Origin]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bring over” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you bring over the toolkit from the shed?
- She managed to bring him over to our opinion after a long chat.
- The invaders brought over new customs and laws.
American English
- Why don't you bring over your laptop later?
- He's trying to bring over more voters to his campaign.
- They brought the recipe over from Italy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for transferring personnel, ideas, or resources between departments or offices. 'We need to bring over the marketing data from the old server.'
Academic
Used in discussing the migration of concepts, theories, or cultural practices. 'The Romans brought over many architectural techniques to Britain.'
Everyday
Common for inviting people or carrying items to a home/gathering. 'Can you bring over that board game when you come?'
Technical
Used in IT for data migration or in logistics for physical transfer. 'The update will bring over all your user settings.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bring over”
- Using 'take over' (to assume control) instead of 'bring over'. *'I will take over the book to you.' (Incorrect) | Using it without an object. *'He brought over.' (Incomplete) | Confusing 'bring over' with 'bring up' (to raise a topic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'bring the files over' or 'bring over the files'. However, if the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle: 'bring them over' (NOT 'bring over them').
'Invite over' focuses on the act of invitation. 'Bring over' focuses on the act of accompanying or transporting the person/thing. You 'invite' someone and then you 'bring' them (or they come).
Yes, very commonly. You can bring over an idea, a philosophy, a tradition, or a feeling from one context to another.
Yes, this is perfectly correct and emphasizes the direction (to me).
to cause someone or something to move to the place where the speaker is or to a different place.
Bring over is usually neutral to informal. common in spoken and written english. the phrasal verb 'bring' has higher frequency; 'bring over' is less common than simple 'bring' but still frequent. in register.
Bring over: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɪŋ ˈəʊ.vər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɪŋ ˈoʊ.vɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring someone over to your way of thinking”
- “bring over the finish line (rare, extended)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bridge: you BRING something OVER the bridge to your side.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE CARRIED. PERSUASION IS PHYSICAL ATTRACTION (e.g., bringing someone over to your side).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'bring over' used FIGURATIVELY?