How to Pronounce BRING UP: Stress, Linking & Natural Speech

BRING UP is a versatile phrasal verb meaning "to mention a topic" or "to raise children." Both meanings are common in everyday English.

Basic Pronunciation

Stress Pattern

Stress falls on UP:

• bring = less stressed
• UP = main stress (louder, longer)

Say: "bring UP" not "BRING up"

Connected Speech

The /ŋ/ at the end of "bring" links to the vowel /ʌ/ in "up":

• Written: bring up
• Sounds like: "bri-NGUP" /brɪˈŋʌp/

The /ŋ/ connects smoothly to the vowel without any pause.

With Objects

The /ŋ/ Sound in "Bring"

The "ng" in "bring" is the velar nasal /ŋ/ — NOT /n/ + /g/. It's a single sound made by pressing the back of your tongue against your soft palate while air flows through your nose.

How to make /ŋ/:

• Back of tongue touches soft palate (back of mouth roof)
• Air flows through your nose (nasal sound)
• No /g/ sound at the end in "bring"

Two Main Meanings

1. Mention a topic

2. Raise children

3. Vomit (informal)

The /br/ Consonant Cluster

"Bring" starts with the cluster /br/. Make sure to pronounce both sounds:

• /b/ — lips together, then release
• /r/ — immediately curl tongue back (don't roll!)

Don't add a vowel between them: NOT "buh-ring."

Separable Verb

BRING UP is separable:

• ✅ "Bring up the topic."
• ✅ "Bring the topic up."
• ✅ "Bring it up."

Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers

1. Adding /g/ after /ŋ/

Don't say "bring-gup." The /ŋ/ is a single sound with no /g/ following it.

2. Rolling the R

The American /r/ is made by curling the tongue back, not rolling it.

3. Adding a vowel in /br/

Don't say "buh-ring." Keep the consonant cluster tight.

Practice Sentences

1. "Don't bring UP the past." → /doʊnt brɪˈŋʌp ðə pæst/
2. "She brought UP three kids." → /ʃi brɔːt ˈʌp θriː kɪdz/
3. "Why did you bring it UP?" → /waɪ dɪd jə ˈbrɪŋ ɪt ˈʌp/
4. "I hate to bring this UP, but..." → /aɪ heɪt tə brɪŋ ðɪs ˈʌp bʌt/

Verb Forms

Common Expressions

Quick Summary

• Stress on UP: bring UP
• Link /ŋ/ to vowel: "bri-NGUP" /brɪˈŋʌp/
• Master the /ŋ/ nasal sound (no /g/ after it)
• Two main meanings: mention topic + raise children
• Separable: "bring it up"

Continue with How to pronounce LOOK AFTER.