bare to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bare to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to express exposure or vulnerability, often in a metaphorical sense. An example is: "She stood bare to the elements, unprotected by any shelter." Alternative expressions include "exposed to" and "vulnerable to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even his big pretentious stone Lays him bare to ridicule.

The New York Times

His experience had already laid that bare to him.

The Guardian - Books

To be stripped bare, to expose your hidden, broken self to the world.

The New Yorker

Ms. Bloch used to send final versions of Bare to a print shop in Arizona.

The New York Times - Tech

They go from thickly painted to nearly bare to excised canvas with exposed stretchers.

The New York Times

It also lays consumers bare to the volatile price spikes of the gas market.

The Guardian

In general, legs and feet must be bare to grip the pole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lady Gaga promised fans last month that she would "strip herself bare" to find inspiration for her new album, ARTPOP.

Independent

Kennedy strips her characters emotionally bare to reveal them in all their neurotic, fearful, envious, anxious and troubled truths.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ms. Hatfield, who performs at Maxwell's in Hoboken at 9 p.m. Tuesday, can sweetly cajole then blast away with her bare-to-the-bone delivery.

The New York Times

On a volunteer trip to Malawi in 2009, I saw for myself the bare-to-the-bone lives and homes of the men, women, and children desperately trying to survive.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bare to" to vividly describe a state of exposure, vulnerability, or lack of concealment, adding emphasis to the subject's condition.

Common error

Avoid using "bare to" when a neutral description is needed; it often implies a negative consequence of exposure. Consider alternatives like "exposed to" or "open to" for a less judgmental tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bare to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of exposure or vulnerability. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from physical exposure to emotional vulnerability, confirming its modifying role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bare to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote exposure or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it can carry a formal tone depending on the context. When writing, be mindful of the connotation of vulnerability, and consider alternatives like "exposed to" or "open to" if a more neutral description is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exposed to

Focuses on the state of being subjected to something, often implying a lack of protection.

vulnerable to

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative influence.

open to

Suggests accessibility or receptiveness, often implying a willingness to experience something.

susceptible to

Emphasizes the potential for being affected by something, usually negative.

liable to

Indicates a probability or tendency towards something, often undesirable.

prone to

Similar to liable, but suggests a stronger inclination or predisposition.

subject to

Highlights the state of being under the control or influence of something.

unprotected against

Explicitly conveys the absence of defense or shielding.

defenseless against

Similar to unprotected, but carries a stronger sense of helplessness.

at the mercy of

Indicates a complete lack of control and dependence on another force.

FAQs

How can I use "bare to" in a sentence?

You can use "bare to" to describe something that is exposed or vulnerable. For example, "The old house stood bare to the harsh winter winds" or "Her emotions were bare to the world after the public announcement."

What does "bare to" mean?

"Bare to" means exposed or vulnerable to something. It suggests a lack of protection or covering, either literally or metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "bare to"?

You can use alternatives like "exposed to", "vulnerable to", or "open to" depending on the specific context. Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "laid bare to"?

Yes, "laid bare to" is a common and correct usage. It emphasizes the act of revealing or uncovering something that was previously hidden, making it exposed or vulnerable.