be able to bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to bear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the capacity to endure or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant. Example: "I don't know how much more I will be able to bear this constant stress at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The linesman might be able to bear the abuse.

The New York Times - Sports

One for fans of the franchise who will be able to "bear" the reference-heavy story.

Independent

It remains unclear how heavy a workload the hard-nosed Bradshaw will be able to bear.

The New York Times - Sports

You may be able to bear it, but there is an extra cost.

The Washington Post

"But if something did I wouldn't be able to bear it".

The New Yorker

She wouldn't be able to bear children, her doctor told her.

The New York Times

'I won't be able to bear reading this article,' he tells The Observer.

The Guardian

Byron Black today was promising more noise than even McEnroe might be able to bear.

The New York Times - Sports

Were I she writing to my son, I wouldn't be able to bear it".

The Guardian

The banking industry might be able to bear more regulations, given how it has fared under earlier measures.

The New York Times

My belief that he wouldn't be able to bear watching me ­suffer was, he said, a projection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs if 'bear' seems too passive. Options like 'withstand', 'tolerate', or 'endure' can add impact, depending on your specific meaning.

Common error

While "be able to bear" is generally correct, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive. Vary vocabulary by incorporating stronger verbs like "endure", "withstand", or "tolerate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to bear" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the capacity or ability to endure, tolerate, or support something. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to indicate whether someone or something is capable of withstanding a particular burden or challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to bear" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity to endure or tolerate something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. While highly common, varying vocabulary with alternatives like "be capable of enduring" can improve writing quality. Remember to consider the context when choosing between "be able to bear" and shorter alternatives like "can bear". Overall, this phrase is a reliable tool for expressing endurance in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of enduring

Emphasizes capability and endurance, focusing on the capacity to withstand difficulty.

be able to tolerate

Highlights the capacity to accept or put up with something, often implying a negative experience.

be capable of withstanding

Focuses on resisting or opposing something effectively.

be in a position to shoulder

Implies taking on a burden or responsibility, often with a sense of duty.

be strong enough to handle

Stresses the strength and resilience needed to manage a situation.

have the strength to endure

Focuses on the inherent strength required to withstand something difficult.

be equipped to withstand

Highlights the preparedness and resources available to resist something.

be resilient enough to survive

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

be prepared to put up with

Focuses on the willingness to accept something unpleasant or undesirable.

be tough enough to take

Stresses the mental or emotional toughness needed to endure something difficult.

FAQs

What does "be able to bear" mean?

The phrase "be able to bear" generally means to have the capacity to endure, tolerate, or support something. It can refer to emotional, physical, or financial burdens.

How can I use "be able to bear" in a sentence?

You can use "be able to bear" in various contexts. For example, "I don't know if I'll "be able to bear" the pain much longer" or "The company must "be able to bear" the costs of the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "be able to bear"?

Alternatives to "be able to bear" include phrases like "be capable of enduring", "be able to tolerate", or "be strong enough to handle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be able to bear" or "can bear"?

Both "be able to bear" and "can bear" are grammatically correct, but "can bear" is more concise. "Be able to bear" might be preferred when emphasizing the ability or capacity to endure, whereas "can bear" is more direct.