bear out

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear out" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to prove (something) to be true or correct. For example: The facts bearing out the prosecutor's case were overwhelming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The facts bear out otherwise.

Harvard University

The numbers bear out Licare's premonition.

The New York Times - Sports

The numbers bear out their influence.

The New York Times

Statistics appear to bear out this theory.

The New York Times

Polls bear out rising frustration.

The New York Times

The results bear out their claims.

University of California, Berkeley

The numbers bear out this last point.

The Guardian

"The evidence doesn't bear out the conclusions".

The New York Times - Books

Internet traffic numbers bear out the popularity of camming.

The New York Times - Tech

Her latest novel might appear to bear out this view.

The New Yorker

Some figures bear out a toughening in devices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear out" when you want to emphasize that evidence or facts support a particular claim or theory. It is effective in academic writing, journalism, and professional contexts where validation is important.

Common error

Avoid using "bear out" when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. "Suggest", "indicate", or "hint at" are better choices when the support is tentative.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bear out" functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. It indicates that something confirms or supports a statement, theory, or claim. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with common usage, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bear out" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to confirm or support something, typically with evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. The phrase is commonly used to strengthen arguments by showing that they are based on factual information. When writing, it's important to use "bear out" when the evidence is conclusive rather than suggestive. Alternatives such as "confirm", "corroborate", and "substantiate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confirm

Direct synonym indicating verification of truth.

corroborate

Adds weight or credibility to something.

substantiate

Provides evidence to support a claim.

validate

Checks or proves the validity or accuracy of something.

prove

Demonstrates the truth of something definitively.

support

Provides assistance or evidence for.

verify

Establishes the truth or accuracy of.

attest to

Formal declaration of truth.

demonstrate

Clearly shows the existence or truth of something.

give credence to

Lends belief or acceptance to something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "bear out" mean?

The phrase "bear out" means to confirm or support something, usually with evidence. It suggests that facts or data validate a particular claim or theory.

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

You can use "bear out" to show that evidence supports a statement. For example: "The statistics "bear out the trend"" or "The facts "bear out otherwise"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "bear out"?

Some alternatives to "bear out" include "confirm", "corroborate", "substantiate", or ""validate depending on the context"".

Is "bear out" formal or informal language?

"Bear out" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. More informal options could be "back up" or "prove true".