Phrasal verb
bring to
Meanings
to cause someone to regain consciousness after fainting or being unconscious
to help someone become alert again after being dazed, shocked, or confused
Definition
To bring to means to cause someone to regain consciousness or awareness.
To bring someone to is to make them become conscious again after fainting or being knocked out. It can also mean to help someone return to awareness after being dazed or confused. The phrase is common in emergency, sports, and everyday situations.
Examples
- The lifeguard used smelling salts to bring him to.
- After I fainted, the nurse brought me to with cold water on my face.
- They spoke to her gently to bring her to after the loud crash.
- A few deep breaths helped bring you to after the dizzy spell.
Common mistake
Learners often omit the object and say “bring to” when they need “bring someone to.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.