A. Phrasal verbs with bring

Each example is a typical spoken sentence and a more formal equivalent is provided in brackets.

• My father's parents brought him up in the country because they thought that country life was better for children. [raised]
• Don't give up. I'm sure you'll bring it off in the end. [succeed]
• Cold winds always bring on her cough. [cause to start]
• The strike brought about a change of government. [caused to happen]
• Ford Motors are bringing out an interesting new model in the spring. [introducing]
• I hope they don't bring back capital punishment. [re-introduce]
• They promised to bring down taxes but they have actually raised them. [lower]
• Inflation will probably bring down the government. [destroy, remove from power]
• Keep trying to persuade him and you'll bring him round to your point of view. [persuade]

B. Phrasal verbs with take

• Doesn't he take after his father! They even sound the same. [resemble]
• I wish I could take back what I said to her. [withdraw]
• It's hard to take in his lectures - he speaks in such an abstract way. [absorb, understand]
• She was completely taken in by him and agreed to give him all her money. [deceived]
• Sales have really taken off now - we should make a good profit this year. [started to improve]
• The plane took off two hours late. [left the ground]
• She's very good at taking off her teacher - she sounds just like her. [imitating]
• We'll have to take on more staff if we're to take on more work. [employ] [accept]
• Nelson is going to take over as manager in July. [start doing a job]
• She took to him at once and they soon became close friends. [formed an immediate liking for]
• When did you take up golf? [start (a hobby)]

C. Common expressions with bring and take

• The new regulations will be brought into force in May. [become law]
• His research brought some very interesting facts to light. [revealed]
• Matters were brought to a head when Lily was sacked. [reached a point where changes had to be made]
• It's better that everything should be brought into the open. [made public]
• His new girlfriend has really brought out the best in him. [been good for him]
• Don't let him take advantage of you. [unfairly use superiority]
• After 20 years of marriage he takes her for granted. [doesn't appreciate her qualities]
• I took it for granted you'd come - you always do. [assumed]
• She immediately took control of the situation. [started organising]
• His unkind words took my breath away. [surprised]
• The story takes place in Mexico. [happens]
• Leaving his job before he's found a new one is taking a risk. [doing something risky]
• It's impossible to take such a silly suggestion seriously. [consider as serious]
• Don't forget to take travel costs into account in the budget. [consider]
• He doesn't seem to take pride in his work. [draw satisfaction from]
• You must take the opportunity to visit the castle while you're here. [use the chance]