What Does “Bring sb before sb” Mean?
“Bring sb before sb” means to take or present a person in front of another person, often for judgment, questioning, or explanation.
Introduction
The phrase “Bring sb before sb” is commonly used in formal or legal contexts. It means to take someone to another person, usually someone in authority, such as a judge, manager, or official, for a specific purpose. This could be to answer questions, face charges, or explain something. The phrase “Bring sb before sb meaning” often appears when learners want to understand how this expression is used in sentences. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly can help you sound more natural, especially in professional or legal conversations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Bring sb before sb (bring somebody before somebody)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To take someone to another person, usually for judgment or explanation
Structure (Grammar Rules)
This phrasal verb is separable, meaning you can place the object between “bring” and “before,” or after the entire phrase.
- Bring sb before sb (e.g., bring the witness before the judge)
- Bring sb before sb (no separation of the second object)
Note: Because “before” is a preposition here, you cannot separate “before” from the second person.
How to Use “Bring sb before sb”?
You can use this phrase when describing situations where someone is presented to a person in authority. It is often used in legal, workplace, or official contexts. For example, a suspect might be brought before a court, or an employee might be brought before a manager for a meeting.
Examples
- The police brought the suspect before the judge yesterday.
- The manager brought the employee before the board to explain the project delays.
- The witness was brought before the court to give testimony.
- She was brought before the principal to discuss her behavior.
- Bring sb before sb in a sentence helps clarify the meaning of this phrase.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Bring before the judge the suspect.
- Correct: Bring the suspect before the judge.
- Incorrect: Bring the suspect before judge.
- Correct: Bring the suspect before the judge.
Remember to keep the order: bring + person + before + person (with article if needed).
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include:
- Take sb to sb: More general, can mean physically moving someone to another person without the formal or legal implication.
- Present sb to sb: Often used in formal introductions or ceremonies.
- Call sb before sb: Usually means to summon someone to appear in front of a person in authority.
“Bring sb before sb” specifically implies physically or formally taking someone to face another person, often for judgment or explanation.
Common Collocations
- Bring the suspect before the court
- Bring the witness before the judge
- Bring the employee before the manager
- Bring the defendant before the tribunal
- Bring the accused before the panel
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bring sb before sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Officer: We need to bring the suspect before the judge today.
Clerk: Has the suspect been informed about the hearing?
Officer: Yes, and the transport is ready to bring him before the court now.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:
- The lawyer asked to ______ the witness ______ the judge for questioning.
- The manager decided to ______ the employee ______ the board to explain the issue.
- The police will ______ the suspect ______ the court tomorrow.
FAQs
- Q: Can “bring sb before sb” be used in informal situations?
A: It is mostly used in formal or official contexts, like legal or workplace situations. - Q: Is “bring sb before sb” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the first object after “bring,” but “before sb” stays together. - Q: What is the difference between “bring sb before sb” and “take sb to sb”?
A: “Bring sb before sb” implies a formal presentation, often for judgment, while “take sb to sb” is more general. - Q: Can I say “bring the suspect before judge” without “the”?
A: No, articles like “the” are necessary before titles such as “judge.” - Q: What kinds of people are usually brought before someone?
A: Suspects, witnesses, employees, or anyone required to explain or answer questions.
