bear a child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear a child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a synonym for "give birth to a child", and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, you could say: "After nine months of pregnancy, Maria was happy to finally bear a healthy child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why was she unable to bear a child?

The Guardian - Film

The girl child is not physically, let alone emotionally, ready to bear a child.

Independent

Ms. Brown, 35, is not taking hCG to help her bear a child.

The New York Times

A man can no more bear a child than a woman can produce sperm.

The Guardian

"Who would want to bear a child with a man like that?" she asked.

The New York Times

Kahlo's inability to bear a child, after the injuries she suffered in a tram crash, was painfully close to her.

The Guardian

"Insecticide yellow" and "ruby mandragora" of the "life flower" in a poem about being unable to bear a child.

The Guardian - Books

But at 44, having all but given up hopes to bear a child, she has turned to that system anyway.

The New York Times

It's not an illness, she says firmly, it's her fundamental right, married or not, to bear a child.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forcing such women to bear a child violates their integrity in a barbaric fashion it rapes them twice.

The New Yorker

The Bible relates the story of Abraham and his infertile wife, Sarah, who offered her handmaiden, Hagar, to her husband to bear a child.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical considerations around childbirth, use "bear a child" for a formal and neutral tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "bear a child" can sometimes sound formal or old-fashioned. In everyday conversation, consider using alternatives like "have a baby" or "give birth" for a more contemporary feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a child" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "bear" is the main verb and "a child" is the direct object. It describes the action of giving birth or producing offspring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bear a child" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of giving birth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it's often considered neutral to formal, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and professional discussions, more casual alternatives like "give birth" or "have a baby" might be preferred in everyday conversation. Its communicative purpose revolves around describing childbirth, emphasizing the biological or legal aspects of having a child. When using the phrase, consider your audience and the desired tone to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give birth

Focuses on the act of delivering a baby; a more direct and common synonym.

have a baby

A simpler and more general way to refer to the event of childbirth.

deliver a child

Emphasizes the process of childbirth from a medical or caregiving perspective.

produce offspring

A more formal and biological way to describe having children.

procreate

A biological term referring to the process of reproduction.

bring forth a child

A more literary or archaic way to say "bear a child".

become a mother

Shifts the focus to the resulting state of motherhood.

start a family

Highlights the broader concept of beginning a family unit.

conceive and deliver

Covers both conception and childbirth.

expect a child

Refers to being pregnant and anticipating the birth of a child.

FAQs

What does "bear a child" mean?

The phrase "bear a child" means to give birth to a child. It's often used in formal contexts or when discussing the biological or legal aspects of childbirth.

How can I use "bear a child" in a sentence?

You can use "bear a child" in sentences like: "She was unable to "bear a child" due to medical complications" or "The surrogacy agreement allowed them to "bear a child" through another woman".

What are some alternatives to "bear a child"?

Alternatives to "bear a child" include "give birth", "have a baby", or "deliver a child". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "borne a child" instead of "bear a child"?

"Borne a child" is the past participle form and is used in perfect tenses (e.g., "She has borne a child"). "Bear a child" is the infinitive form and is used with modal verbs (e.g., "She wants to "bear a child"").