Another Way to Say Bring Up: 10 Pro Ways to Say It
Another way to say “bring up” depends on the context. When you mean mentioning a topic, useful alternatives include “mention,” “raise,” “introduce,” “address,” and “refer to.” For casual conversations, “bring to someone’s attention” or “bring into the conversation” may work. The right choice depends on whether the topic is informal, sensitive, or professional.
Key Takeaways
- “Mention” is the simplest and most natural alternative to “bring up.”
- “Raise” works well when introducing a question, concern, issue, or topic.
- “Address” is useful when discussing a problem that needs attention.
- “Introduce” fits when presenting a new subject or idea.
- “Bring up” can have several meanings, so context matters when choosing a synonym.
“Bring up” is a common phrasal verb with several meanings. In everyday communication, it often means mentioning or introducing a subject, especially during a conversation.
For example, “She brought up the budget during the meeting” means that she mentioned the budget as a topic for discussion.
However, “bring up” can also mean to raise a child, cause something to appear, or physically lift something. Because of these different meanings, the best alternative depends on how you use the phrase.
What Does “Another Way to Say Bring Up” Mean?
When people search for another way to say “bring up,” they often want a different expression for introducing or mentioning a topic.
For example:
- “I wanted to bring up a concern.”
- “She brought up an interesting idea.”
- “He brought up the issue during the meeting.”
In these examples, alternatives such as “mention,” “raise,” “address,” and “introduce” may work.
“Bring up” is common in conversations, emails, meetings, presentations, workplace discussions, and personal communication. Choosing a different phrase can make your writing more precise or better suited to a particular situation.
It is important to check the meaning before replacing it. “Bring up a topic” and “bring up a child” do not have the same meaning, so they require completely different alternatives.
Why Use Other Ways to Say “Bring Up”?
Using alternatives can make your writing more precise and prevent repeated wording. It can also help you communicate the exact purpose behind mentioning something.
Consider another expression when you want to:
- Avoid repeating “bring up” in the same piece of writing.
- Sound more professional in workplace communication.
- Introduce a sensitive concern in a respectful way.
- Show that you are presenting a new topic.
- Make it clear that you are discussing or addressing an issue.
- Choose a phrase that fits a specific context.
10 Best Other Ways to Say “Bring Up”
1. Mention
Meaning
“Mention” means to talk about something briefly or refer to it in conversation or writing. It is one of the most natural replacements for “bring up” when you simply want to introduce a subject without suggesting a serious discussion.
Best For
- Professional
- Casual
- Friendly
- Polite
Example 1
I wanted to mention the schedule change before everyone leaves.
Example 2
She mentioned your proposal during yesterday’s meeting.
Quick Tip
Use “mention” when the subject is simply being referred to. If you want to emphasize a problem or concern that needs discussion, “raise” or “address” may be more precise.
2. Raise
Meaning
“Raise” means to introduce a topic, question, concern, or issue for discussion. It is especially common in professional and formal communication.
For example, “raise a concern” sounds more deliberate than simply “mention a concern.”
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The manager raised concerns about the project’s deadline.
Example 2
I’d like to raise a question about the proposed changes.
Quick Tip
“Raise” pairs naturally with words such as “concern,” “issue,” “question,” “point,” and “problem.”
3. Address
Meaning
“Address” means to deal with, discuss, or respond to a particular subject or problem. It is stronger than “mention” because it often suggests that the speaker intends to give the matter attention.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The director addressed the employees’ concerns during the meeting.
Example 2
We should address this issue before moving forward with the project.
Quick Tip
Use “address” when the topic requires a response, solution, clarification, or action rather than just a brief reference.
4. Introduce
Meaning
“Introduce” means to present a new topic, idea, subject, or issue to an audience or group. It is particularly useful when something has not previously been discussed.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Friendly
Example 1
I’d like to introduce a new idea for improving customer support.
Example 2
The speaker introduced the topic with a short personal story.
Quick Tip
Choose “introduce” when the main purpose is to start a discussion about something new.
5. Refer To
Meaning
“Refer to” means to mention, discuss, or point toward a particular person, subject, event, or piece of information. It often sounds more neutral and precise than “bring up.”
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The report refers to several challenges faced by small businesses.
Example 2
During the presentation, she referred to the results from last year’s survey.
Quick Tip
Use “refer to” when you are pointing readers or listeners toward information rather than actively starting a discussion about it.
6. Point Out
Meaning
“Point out” means to draw attention to something that someone should notice or consider. It can replace “bring up” when the speaker wants to highlight a particular fact, detail, or problem.
Best For
- Professional
- Casual
- Friendly
- Polite
Example 1
She pointed out a mistake in the final version of the report.
Example 2
I’d like to point out one important detail before we make a decision.
Quick Tip
Use “point out” when the purpose is to make someone notice something specific.
7. Bring to Someone’s Attention
Meaning
“Bring to someone’s attention” means to make someone aware of a particular issue, fact, concern, or situation. It is more formal and polite than the simple phrase “bring up.”
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
I wanted to bring this issue to your attention before the deadline.
Example 2
The customer brought the billing error to our attention.
Quick Tip
This expression works especially well in professional emails when you want to highlight an issue without sounding confrontational.
8. Discuss
Meaning
“Discuss” means to talk about a subject in greater detail, usually with the purpose of sharing information, considering options, or reaching a decision.
It is not always a direct synonym for “bring up” because discussing something usually involves more than simply mentioning it.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Casual
Example 1
We need to discuss the budget before approving the proposal.
Example 2
They discussed several possible solutions after the meeting.
Quick Tip
Use “discuss” when the subject will receive meaningful attention rather than just being mentioned briefly.
9. Bring Into the Conversation
Meaning
“Bring into the conversation” means to introduce a subject, idea, or person into an ongoing discussion. It emphasizes the act of adding something to a conversation that is already happening.
Best For
- Casual
- Friendly
- Professional
Example 1
She brought the customer feedback into the conversation.
Example 2
Let’s bring the long-term costs into the conversation before we decide.
Quick Tip
Use this phrase when the subject is being added to an existing discussion rather than starting a completely new one.
10. Call Attention To
Meaning
“Call attention to” means to deliberately make people notice or consider something. It is useful when highlighting an important fact, issue, detail, or potential problem.
It generally sounds more deliberate than “mention.”
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The report calls attention to the growing demand for affordable housing.
Example 2
The teacher called attention to several important details in the assignment.
Quick Tip
Use “call attention to” when you want the audience to focus on something important rather than merely know that it exists.
Comparison Table
| Alternative | Best Used In | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Mention | Everyday and professional communication | Neutral |
| Raise | Questions, concerns, and issues | Professional |
| Address | Problems requiring attention | Professional |
| Introduce | New topics and ideas | Neutral |
| Refer To | Reports and specific information | Formal |
| Point Out | Facts, details, and mistakes | Neutral |
| Bring to Someone’s Attention | Workplace emails and concerns | Polite |
| Discuss | Detailed conversations | Neutral |
| Bring Into the Conversation | Ongoing discussions | Conversational |
| Call Attention To | Important facts or issues | Formal |
Common Mistakes
1. Treating Every Synonym as Identical
The alternatives for “bring up” have different meanings. “Mention” may describe a brief reference, while “address” often suggests actively dealing with an issue.
2. Using “Address” When You Only Mean “Mention”
“Address” can imply that someone is responding to or dealing with a matter. If you only referred to something briefly, “mention” may be more accurate.
3. Using Casual Language in Formal Emails
Phrases such as “bring into the conversation” may sound natural in a meeting but less polished in a formal report. In professional writing, “raise,” “address,” or “refer to” may fit better.
4. Ignoring the Different Meanings of “Bring Up”
“Bring up” can mean mention a topic, raise a child, or cause something to appear. Before choosing a synonym, identify which meaning applies to your sentence.
5. Using “Discuss” for a Brief Mention
“Discuss” usually suggests a deeper conversation. If you only want to say that someone referred to a topic, “mention” or “refer to” is often more accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common alternative to “bring up”?
“Mention” is one of the most common alternatives when “bring up” means to introduce or refer to a topic. For example, “She brought up the issue during the meeting” can become “She mentioned the issue during the meeting.” However, “raise” or “address” may be better when the subject requires serious discussion.
What is a professional way to say “bring up”?
“Raise,” “address,” “refer to,” and “bring to someone’s attention” are useful professional alternatives. The best choice depends on the situation. “Raise” works well for concerns and questions, while “address” suggests that an issue needs attention or action.
Is “mention” the same as “bring up”?
“Mention” and “bring up” can have the same meaning when referring to introducing a topic. However, “bring up” can sound more conversational, while “mention” is often more neutral. “Bring up” may also suggest intentionally starting a discussion, depending on the context.
What is another way to say “bring up an issue”?
You can say “raise an issue,” “address an issue,” “mention an issue,” or “call attention to an issue.” “Raise an issue” is especially natural in professional settings. “Address an issue” is stronger because it suggests actively dealing with the problem rather than simply mentioning it.
What is a formal way to say “bring up”?
Formal alternatives include “raise,” “address,” “refer to,” “call attention to,” and “bring to someone’s attention.” The appropriate option depends on the sentence. For example, “bring this matter to your attention” is a polished choice for a professional email.
What is a casual way to say “bring up”?
In casual conversation, you can use “mention,” “talk about,” “bring into the conversation,” or simply “say something about.” For example, “He brought up his vacation plans” can become “He mentioned his vacation plans” or “He talked about his vacation plans.”
Can “raise” replace “bring up”?
Yes, “raise” can replace “bring up” when you mean introducing a question, concern, issue, point, or subject. For example, “She brought up a concern about the schedule” can become “She raised a concern about the schedule.” “Raise” is particularly common in workplace communication.
What does “bring up” mean besides “mention”?
“Bring up” has several meanings. It can mean to mention a topic, raise or care for a child, physically lift something, or cause information to appear on a screen. For example, “bring up a child” relates to parenting, while “bring up a file” can refer to displaying information on a computer.
Conclusion
There are many ways to say “bring up,” but the right alternative depends on what you mean. If you simply want to mention a subject, “mention” is usually the easiest choice. For questions, concerns, or issues, “raise” can sound more deliberate and professional.
When a matter needs attention or action, “address” is often more precise. “Introduce” works well for new ideas, while “refer to” suits reports and specific information. For highlighting something important, “point out” and “call attention to” are useful choices.
Remember that “bring up” has several meanings beyond introducing a topic. Before replacing it, consider the exact meaning, audience, and tone. A good synonym should not only sound different; it should preserve the intended meaning and make the sentence clearer.
Rowan Mercer is a senior content editor focused on producing clear, useful, and engaging digital content. Rowan specializes in researching complex topics, organizing information into reader-friendly formats, and maintaining high standards for accuracy, clarity, and editorial quality.
