bear the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to express that someone is accepting, understanding, or considering a particular idea. For example: "After discussing the proposal with his colleagues, John decided to bear the idea of making some changes to the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Books

Film

Opinion

TV & Radio

Sport

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't bear the idea of never going back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He couldn't bear the idea of the dogs dying.

The Guardian - Books

He can hardly bear the idea of it.

The Guardian - Books

I couldn't bear the idea of being not good enough".

The New York Times

We'd been together three years and I couldn't bear the idea of another day with him.

The New Yorker

"Amy, I can't bear the idea of this being our last Bond together.

Independent

Mrs. Thatcher isn't the only European who can't bear the idea of diluting it.

The New York Times

But you can't have everything, and he's got no intention of retiring, couldn't bear the idea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I couldn't bear the idea of seeing her in this condition.

The New York Times

I can't bear the idea of celebrity, but I like to be recognised for my work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can't bear the idea of him in there day after day," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear the idea" to express acceptance or tolerance of a concept, especially when facing an undesirable or challenging situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is enduring or accepting the idea, not merely considering it.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the idea" when you only mean to consider or evaluate something. "Bear the idea" implies a level of acceptance, even if reluctant. For simple consideration, use phrases like "consider the idea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the idea" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of tolerating or accepting a concept. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a level of acceptance, understanding, or consideration of a particular idea. The numerous examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear the idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the act of tolerating or accepting a concept, often with a hint of reluctance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing that someone is accepting, understanding, or considering a particular idea. The phrase sees common usage in news media, academic circles, and lifestyle writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context underscores the element of acceptance, rather than mere consideration. Alternatives such as "live with the idea" or "accept the concept" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember, while "consider the idea" focuses on evaluation, "bear the idea" focuses on acceptance, even if begrudgingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

live with the idea

Focuses on adapting to and accepting an existing idea or situation.

put up with the idea

Implies enduring an idea despite finding it undesirable.

consider the notion

Emphasizes a more thoughtful evaluation of an idea.

deal with the concept

Highlights managing or handling an idea or its implications.

entertain the thought

Shifts focus to considering an idea without necessarily accepting it.

handle the idea

Suggests managing or dealing with an idea effectively.

accept the concept

Highlights agreement or belief in the validity of an idea.

tolerate the thought

Implies enduring an idea that might be unpleasant or challenging.

stomach the notion

Conveys a stronger sense of dislike or aversion towards an idea, yet still accepting it.

embrace the concept

Suggests enthusiastically accepting and adopting an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "bear the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the idea" to express that someone is tolerating or accepting a particular concept, often one that is unpleasant or challenging. For example, "She couldn't "bear the idea" of leaving her home."

What are some alternatives to saying "bear the idea"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "tolerate the thought", "accept the concept", or "live with the idea".

Is it grammatically correct to say "bear the idea"?

Yes, "bear the idea" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to express acceptance or tolerance of a concept.

What does "bear the idea" imply about the speaker's attitude?

"Bear the idea" suggests that the speaker is accepting or tolerating a concept, often reluctantly or with some level of discomfort. It implies more than just considering; it suggests a degree of acceptance, whether willingly or unwillingly.