bear the mark of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear the mark of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something shows evidence of a particular influence, characteristic, or quality. An example: "The painting bears the mark of the artist's unique style." Alternative expressions include "show the signs of" and "exhibit the influence of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Some surviving rolls bear the mark of professional work; others are amateurish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is, they bear the mark of the man who commissioned them.

The New Yorker

(The juvenilia of most American writers since bear the mark of one or the other).

The New Yorker

If you commit to being involved in the McConville disappearance, your children will bear the mark of Cain".

The New Yorker

The movie's fine and urgent turns of phrase bear the mark of a literary art that Arzner lent cinematic life through her own distinctive vision.

The New Yorker

"This does not bear the mark of international terrorism," Brian Roehrkasse, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, said on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The middle section of the line about the Christians "" (that bear the marks of Jesus), first marked "un poco allegro", is in a contrasting mood.

Wikipedia

The large plates still bear the marks of a miniaturist.

The New York Times - Food

I'll bear the marks of it till the day I die.

The New Yorker

These trials bear the marks of politically motivated and selective justice.

The New York Times

Latin words bear the marks of their case, as English words do not.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with abstract nouns like 'individuality', 'genius' or 'trauma' to create evocative and precise descriptions.

Common error

Do not use "bear the mark of" for mundane or trivial labels. It carries a certain weight and gravitas; for example, a product shouldn't just "bear the mark of" a cheap price, but it might "bear the mark of" a specific era of design.

Linguistic Context

Determined as a verb phrase, "bear the mark of" acts as a relational bridge between a subject and its defining influence or origin. According to Ludwig, it functions transitively to attribute a specific quality to the subject based on its history or creator.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear the mark of" is a powerful linguistic tool for attribution and characterization. Ludwig AI data reveals that it is a favorite among top-tier journalists and scholars for connecting an object, work or person to their formative influences. Whether describing a composer's unique style, a city's architectural heritage or the lasting impact of a historical trauma, the phrase provides a sense of depth and continuity. It is most effective when used to describe significant, defining characteristics rather than incidental details. By using this phrase, writers can elegantly signal a relationship between cause and effect, creator and creation, or past and present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry the stamp of

Suggests a more official or permanent impression often related to authority or institutional origin

bear the hallmark of

Often used to denote a sign of quality, excellence or a very specific characteristic

reflect the influence of

Specifically highlights how an external source has shaped the current subject

show signs of

More general and observational, less focused on the 'identity' of the influence

carry the traces of

Implies a more subtle or faint influence that remains from the past

wear the signature of

Emphasizes the unique personal style or authorship of a creator

be indicative of

Acts as a logical or clinical pointer to a underlying condition or origin

exhibit the traits of

Focuses more on the inherent qualities or behavioral characteristics being shown

manifest the character of

Focuses on how the subject actively demonstrates its fundamental nature

be imbued with

Suggests the influence is deeply permeated throughout the subject rather than just a surface mark

FAQs

How do I use "bear the mark of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe influence, such as: "The building's architecture continues to "bear the mark of" its original 18th-century designer."

What can I say instead of "bear the mark of"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "carry the stamp of", "bear the hallmark of" or "show signs of".

Is "bear the mark of" a formal phrase?

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal expression. It is frequently found in literary criticism, high-end journalism and historical analysis to describe lasting impacts or stylistic traits.

What is the difference between "bear the mark of" and "bear the marks of"?

The singular "mark" often refers to a singular influence or abstract quality like 'individuality', while the plural "bear the marks of" often refers to multiple physical signs or distinct points of evidence, such as scars or bullet holes.