bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bear" is correct and usable in written English and can be used as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun, it is used to refer to a large mammal with shaggy fur. For example, "The bear was spotted in the forest near the lake." As a verb, it is used to mean to support a weight or to hold up something. For example, "The wall bears the weight of the roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

United and determined we can bring our values and interests to bear in the world.

The Guardian

Teachers who obsessively police school uniforms might also do well to bear this in mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Damning reports by human rights organisations cataloguing the dire living conditions for many workers tied to their employers by the kafala system and investigations by the Guardian resulted in an international outcry and criticism of Fifa for not doing more to bring pressure to bear.

The Guardian

Thankfully, it never happened to me, but I know people who have been victims of this and who still bear a grudge against the cruel or tactless grown-up in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These are, firstly, the difficulty of identifying clearly the hand of a hostile state government in the subversive destabilising effects they bring to bear in the early stages of such a strategy," he said.

The Guardian

If McGowan does upset the odds and win – she is placed at around $3.50 by Centrebet, down from more than $50 at the start of the campaign – it's unclear how well her values of inclusiveness and consensus will fare in the Canberra bear pit.

The Guardian

Yanis Varoufakis arrived in Downing Street yesterday in black jeans, a mauve open-necked shirt that was not tucked in, and the sort of leather coat Putin might wear on a bear hunt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can you bear sticking in eye drops and getting them to use nasal sprays?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When asked if pressure was being brought to bear on senior Liberal politicians in 2011, Sinodinos replied: "Well, representations were being made, yes".

The Guardian

Victoria's treasurer, Michael O'Brien, another Liberal, said he would be "watching like a hawk" to see whether the new Medicare co-payment had the predicted effect of sick people instead going to state-run hospital emergency departments, saying that was "a form of cost-shifting we simply can't bear".

The Guardian

But we couldn't bear to leave her behind somewhere, so the only other option was cremation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear" as a verb, ensure the subject is capable of supporting or enduring the object. For example, "The bridge can bear heavy traffic."

Common error

Avoid confusing "bear" with "bare". "Bear" means to carry or endure, while "bare" means uncovered or naked. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "bear" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it signifies enduring, supporting, or carrying. As a noun, it refers to a large mammal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb with distinct meanings. As a verb, it signifies enduring, supporting, or carrying, while as a noun, it refers to a large mammal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, which explains its very common usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Opinion pieces. Be mindful of its homophone "bare" to avoid errors. Understanding its various applications ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure

Focuses on the act of withstanding hardship or difficulty.

tolerate

Emphasizes acceptance or allowance of something, often reluctantly.

withstand

Highlights the ability to resist or stand firm against something.

sustain

Implies providing support or maintaining something over time.

carry

Focuses on the act of transporting or supporting physically or metaphorically.

shoulder

Suggests taking on a burden or responsibility.

support

Implies providing assistance or upholding something.

experience

Highlights the act of undergoing or encountering something.

produce

Focuses on yielding or creating something, such as fruit or offspring.

display

Emphasizes showing or exhibiting something.

FAQs

How can I use "bear" as a verb in a sentence?

You can use "bear" to mean to support, carry, or endure. For example, "The pillars bear the weight of the roof", or "I can't bear the thought of leaving".

What are some synonyms for "bear" as in 'to endure'?

Alternatives include "endure", "tolerate", "withstand", and "sustain", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Which is correct, "bear with me" or "bare with me"?

"Bear with me" is the correct phrase, meaning to be patient with someone. "Bare with me" is incorrect and doesn't have a recognized meaning in this context.

What's the difference between "bear" and "bare"?

"Bear" (verb) means to endure or carry. "Bare" (adjective) means naked or uncovered. For example, "I can't bear the pain" versus "The tree has bare branches".