Mastering ‘Bring Forward’: Your Key to IELTS Speaking Success

Understanding ‘Bring Forward’

‘Bring forward’ is a versatile phrasal verb that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to your English vocabulary.

Definition and Explanation

‘Bring forward’ primarily means to move something to an earlier time or date. It can also mean to present or introduce an idea, proposal, or issue for discussion. In some contexts, it may refer to advancing or promoting someone in a job or position.

Synonyms include: advance, expedite, accelerate, push up, or propose (depending on the context).

Usage in Context

Consider these examples:

1. “The meeting has been brought forward from 3 PM to 1 PM.”
2. “She brought forward an innovative solution to the problem.”
3. “The committee decided to bring forward the most qualified candidate for the position.”

Examples of 'Bring Forward' Usage

Grammatical Analysis

‘Bring forward’ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place an object between ‘bring’ and ‘forward’:

• “They brought the meeting forward.”
• “They brought forward the meeting.”

Both forms are correct, but when using pronouns, separation is mandatory:

• “They brought it forward.” (Correct)
• “They brought forward it.” (Incorrect)

Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

Incorporating ‘bring forward’ can demonstrate your advanced vocabulary skills. For example:

Question: “How do you think companies can improve their productivity?”
Answer: “I believe companies can improve productivity by bringing forward innovative ideas from their employees. By encouraging staff to propose new methods and solutions, businesses can streamline their processes and boost efficiency.”

In IELTS Writing

While ‘bring forward’ can be used in Writing Task 2 essays, be mindful of the formality level. It’s suitable for most topics but use it judiciously:

“Governments should bring forward legislation to address climate change more aggressively. By proposing and implementing stricter environmental policies earlier than planned, we can mitigate the severe impacts of global warming.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Put off /pʊt ɒf/ – postpone or delay
   Example: “We had to put off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.”

2. Set up /set ʌp/ – arrange or establish
   Example: “They’re setting up a new branch in the city center.”

3. Come up with /kʌm ʌp wɪð/ – think of (an idea or plan)
   Example: “The team came up with an innovative solution to the problem.”

4. Push back /pʊʃ bæk/ – delay or postpone
   Example: “The deadline has been pushed back by two weeks.”

5. Move forward /muːv ˈfɔːwəd/ – make progress
   Example: “We need to move forward with our plans despite the challenges.”

Infographic of Related Phrasal Verbs

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The meeting was __ __ from Friday to Wednesday.
2. We need to __ __ some new ideas for the project.
3. The government has decided to __ __ the implementation of the new policy.
4. Due to bad weather, we had to __ __ our outdoor event.
5. They’re planning to __ __ a new committee to address these issues.
6. Can you __ __ with a solution to this problem?
7. The company wants to __ __ with its expansion plans despite the economic downturn.
8. We should __ __ this issue at the next board meeting.
9. The team managed to __ __ the project deadline by a week.
10. Let’s __ __ our discussion about the budget to next week’s meeting.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: The concert was rescheduled to an earlier date.
   Transformation: The organizers __ __ the concert.

2. Original: We need to delay the launch of the new product.
   Transformation: We need to __ __ the launch of the new product.

3. Original: Can you think of a better approach to this problem?
   Transformation: Can you __ __ __ a better approach to this problem?

4. Original: They’re establishing a new department for research and development.
   Transformation: They’re __ __ a new department for research and development.

5. Original: We should continue with our plans despite the setbacks.
   Transformation: We should __ __ with our plans despite the setbacks.

6. Original: The committee proposed several new policies for discussion.
   Transformation: The committee __ __ several new policies for discussion.

7. Original: They postponed the meeting until next week.
   Transformation: They __ __ the meeting until next week.

8. Original: We need to make progress on this project immediately.
   Transformation: We need to __ __ with this project immediately.

9. Original: The deadline was moved to an earlier date.
   Transformation: The deadline was __ __.

10. Original: Can you suggest some solutions to this problem?
    Transformation: Can you __ __ __ some solutions to this problem?

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. brought forward
2. bring forward
3. bring forward
4. put off
5. set up
6. come up
7. move forward
8. bring forward
9. bring forward
10. push back

Sentence Transformation:

1. brought forward
2. put off
3. come up with
4. setting up
5. move forward
6. brought forward
7. put off
8. move forward
9. brought forward
10. come up with

Explanations:

1. ‘Bring forward’ means to move to an earlier time.
2. ‘Put off’ means to postpone or delay.
3. ‘Come up with’ means to think of or suggest an idea.
4. ‘Set up’ means to establish or arrange.
5. ‘Move forward’ means to make progress or continue with plans.
6. ‘Bring forward’ can also mean to propose or present for discussion.
7. ‘Put off’ is used here to mean postpone.
8. ‘Move forward’ emphasizes the need for immediate progress.
9. ‘Bring forward’ is used again to indicate moving to an earlier time.
10. ‘Come up with’ is used to ask for suggestions or solutions.

Memorization Tips

To remember ‘bring forward’ and its usage:

1. Visualize physically moving an object (like a meeting) forward in time on a calendar.
2. Create a mnemonic: “BF = Better Faster” to associate ‘bring forward’ with making things happen sooner or more efficiently.
3. Practice using it in daily conversations, such as “Can we bring forward our lunch plans?”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘bring forward’ when ‘put forward’ is more appropriate.
   Correction: ‘Bring forward’ is about time or promotion, while ‘put forward’ is about suggesting or proposing.

2. Mistake: Incorrect word order with pronouns.
   Correction: Always place pronouns between ‘bring’ and ‘forward’. (e.g., “bring it forward”)

3. Mistake: Overusing in formal writing.
   Correction: While suitable for most contexts, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like “advance” or “expedite”.

Conclusion

Mastering ‘bring forward’ and related phrasal verbs can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. By understanding their nuanced meanings and practicing their usage, you’ll be able to express yourself more precisely and naturally in both speaking and writing tasks. Remember to use these phrases in context and continue practicing to internalize them fully. This will not only improve your IELTS scores but also your overall English proficiency.

For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guides on describing places for outdoor activities and fostering intercultural competence through study abroad programs. These resources can provide additional context for using phrasal verbs effectively in your IELTS preparation.