1
Cause change
Produce a new social or material condition.
Example
The reforms brought about a rapid decline in waiting times.
bring about
/ˌbrɪŋ əˈbaʊt/ · BRING uh-BOWTcause phrase
Cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
Use bring about to signal this exact relationship between ideas: cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
What bring about Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Produce an outcome
Make a result occur through action or process.
Example
Cooling brings about crystallisation.
3
Achieve transformation
Cause a deliberate improvement or shift.
Example
Negotiation may bring about a lasting settlement.
Use bring about Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The reforms brought about a rapid decline in waiting times.
Cooling brings about crystallisation.
Negotiation may bring about a lasting settlement.
Precision Matters
Bring about overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
bring about
vs.Signals cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
contribute to
Means help cause or advance.
bring about
vs.Signals cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
as a result
Means because of what preceded; introduces a consequence.
bring about
vs.Signals cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
engender
Means cause a feeling, condition, or situation to develop.
bring about
vs.Signals cause an event, condition, or change to happen.
coincide with
Means occur at the same time as, occupy the same position as, or agree with.
Test bring about in Context
The channels contributed causally to producing the increase.
1
The new irrigation channels helped ___ a substantial increase in crop yields.