The phrase "what brings you here" is used in a variety of situations. It could be a literal query about why someone is in a specific location or a more metaphorical inquiry into a person's motivations or intentions.
In short:
- "What brings you here" is often used to ask why someone is in a particular place.
- It can also be used metaphorically to understand someone's intentions or motivations.
What Does "What Brings You Here" Mean?
The question "What brings you here?" is generally used to understand the reason or purpose for a person's presence in a certain place or situation. This phrase is flexible and can be used in numerous contexts.
Let's delve deeper into its core meanings and uses:
- When you ask someone, "What brings you here?" you're asking for the specific reason that led them to the place or situation where you're both present.
- It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
- For instance, in a social gathering, you might ask a friend, "What brings you here?" to find out what attracted them to the event.
- It can also be used metaphorically to understand a person's underlying intentions or motives.
- For example, if someone suddenly starts behaving nicely towards you, you might wonder, "What brings you here?" implying what their real intentions are.
- Similar phrases to "What brings you here?" could be "What's your purpose here?", "Why are you here?" or "What made you come here?"
Where Does "What Brings You Here" Come From?
The phrase "What brings you here" is a common English idiom. Its origin isn't clear, but it has been used for a long time to ask about someone's reasons for being in a particular place. Over time, the phrase has also taken on a metaphorical meaning, asking about a person's underlying motives or intentions.
Historical Examples:
"What brings you here, My lady? Is't to find my gentleman Who visits his tame pigeon in the eaves? Our cholera catch you with its cramps and spasms..."
- "Aurora Leigh" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“Bless me, Poole, what brings you here?”
- "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson
"'What brings you here, gossip Patch?' cried Will Sommers. 'I thought you were in attendance upon your master, at the court at Blackfriars.'"
- "Windsor Castle" by W. Harrison Ainsworth
10 Examples of "What Brings You Here" in Sentences
To help you grasp how to use "what brings you here," here are some examples in various contexts:
- I thought you asked me to get out of your hair. So what brings you here?
- Welcome back to our office; how may I help you, and what brings you here?
- Upon seeing his old classmate at the reunion party, he couldn't resist asking, "What brings you here?"
- It's just weird to see you out of the blue after so many years. What brings you here?
- Good to see you at this event! I'm curious; what brings you here?
- Meeting his cousin at the airport, he hugged him and asked, "What brings you here?"
- Time flies by; it seems like we met at the park only yesterday. So, what brings you here today?
- When the teacher saw one of his students at the library during vacation, he asked, "What brings you here?"
- The nearest diner was out of service. Is that what brings you here?
- Spotting his neighbor at the car dealership, he approached and asked, "What brings you here?"
Examples of "What Brings You Here" in Pop Culture
The phrase "what brings you here" frequently appears in popular culture, usually as a means to establish a conversation or find out someone's motivations.
Let's look at a few instances:
- A song by Sara Thomsen titled "What Brings You Here" includes the lines: "You said, 'What brings you here? What are you dreaming of? Where have you been? Where are you going?"
- Jason Allen performed a song called "What Brings You Here?" The lyrics include the lines: "Hey, what brings you here? Brings you near? Brings you near? Three wrecks down from the broken lighthouse A slack tide and the chance of another try. It's all..."
- In the film "Holiday Inn," Jim Hardy says: "What brings you here on this bright and uninviting day?"
- A line from the movie "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" goes: "What brings you here with us today?"
- Draco Malfoy, in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," addresses Harry Potter with: "Well, well! What brings you here, Potter?"
- Kristin Hannah's book "The Nightingale" features a line that reads, "What brings you here so early?"
Other/Different Ways to Say "What Brings You Here"
There are several other ways to ask someone about their reasons for being in a particular place or situation. These phrases communicate the same essential idea as "what brings you here."
Here are some alternatives:
- What's your purpose here?
- What made you come here?
- What led you to this place?
- What are you doing here?
- Why are you here?
- What's the reason for your visit?
- What attracted you to this place?
- What drew you here?
- What's your reason for being here?
- What made you decide to come here?
10 Frequently Asked Questions About "What Brings You Here":
- What does "what brings you here" mean?
"What brings you here" is a question asked to understand the purpose or motivation of a person's presence in a particular place or situation.
- How can I use "what brings you here" in a sentence?
You can use "what brings you here" when you meet someone unexpectedly or in a place where their presence seems unusual. For example, "Thanks a bunch for coming, but what brings you here at this hour?"
- Can "what brings you here" be used in a formal context?
Yes, "what brings you here" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a general inquiry about someone's purpose or intentions.
- Is "what brings you here" considered polite?
Yes, it's generally considered polite. However, the tone and context in which it's asked can affect its perception. For example, if asked in a friendly manner, it shows interest in the other person's activities.
- What's the difference between "what brings you here" and "why are you here?"
Both questions seek to understand a person's reason for being in a particular place. However, "what brings you here" is often perceived as more polite and less direct than "why are you here?"
- Is it okay to use it in a written conversation?
Yes, "what brings you here" can be used in written conversations such as emails or chat messages, but it is more commonly used in face-to-face interactions.
- Is it okay to use it in professional settings?
Yes, in professional settings, "what brings you here" can be used to understand a person's motivation or purpose. For example, in a networking event or a meeting, it can be a conversation starter to understand someone's role or interest.
- Is "what brings you here" a common phrase in English?
Yes, "what brings you here" is a common phrase used in English conversations to inquire about someone's purpose or reason for being in a particular place or situation.
- Can "what brings you here" be seen as intrusive?
The phrase itself is not intrusive, but depending on the context or the tone of the speaker, it could be perceived as such. Always ensure to use it appropriately and respect the other person's comfort level in sharing information.
- Does "what brings you here" imply curiosity?
Yes, asking "what brings you here" shows curiosity and interest in the other person's actions or motivations. It is a way of initiating conversation and understanding more about the person's activities or purpose.
Final Thoughts About "What Brings You Here"
"What brings you here" is a versatile phrase used to initiate conversations, show curiosity, or express surprise at someone's presence in a particular location or situation. It is a commonly used question in English, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Here's a quick recap:
- The phrase "what brings you here" is a polite way of asking why someone is in a specific place or situation.
- You can use it in various scenarios, from casual meet-ups to professional networking events.
- It shows interest and engagement in a conversation, so it makes an effective ice-breaker.
