bear the marks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear the marks of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something shows evidence or signs of a particular quality, influence, or condition. Example: "The ancient ruins bear the marks of a once-thriving civilization, evident in the intricate carvings and structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The large plates still bear the marks of a miniaturist.

The New York Times - Food

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Her dishes sometimes bear the marks of someone flailing in the kitchen.

The Washington Post

Many of them bear the marks of fights with other brown rats.

The New York Times - Science

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

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Several fingers bear the mark of instantaneous thermal transfer from contact with the now defunct BJTs.

Cornell University

In the future, the likes of bananas and Gala apples will also bear the mark of the Mouse.

Forbes

Two of the greatest novels of Western literature directly or indirectly bear the mark of Islamic culture.

Huffington Post

Those who will bear the mark of Christ's cross on Ash Wednesday do so for different, even disparate reasons.

Huffington Post

Whether it be Phyllis Diller's wig room or Robin Williams' kitchen, these homes bear the mark of their owners.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear the marks of" to vividly describe the lasting impact or influence on a subject, emphasizing visible or inherent qualities resulting from past events or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the marks of" when simpler phrases like "shows signs of" or "indicates" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize a deep, lasting impact or transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the marks of" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something exhibits or displays evidence of a particular quality, experience, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. The examples show it is used to describe everything from physical scars to abstract influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear the marks of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something exhibits evidence or signs of a particular quality, influence, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While numerous alternatives exist, "bear the marks of" is particularly effective when emphasizing a deep, lasting impact. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple descriptions, and consider its effectiveness in conveying the significance of past events or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show signs of

Focuses on visible indications or symptoms rather than inherent imprints.

exhibit traces of

Emphasizes subtle or residual indications.

display evidence of

Highlights the presence of proof or verification.

reveal the impact of

Focuses on the effect or influence left behind.

reflect the influence of

Highlights how something has been affected or changed by something else.

indicate the presence of

Suggests that something exists or has occurred.

testify to the effects of

Implies a strong attestation to the results of something.

manifest the characteristics of

Highlights how something shows specific qualities or features.

demonstrate the hallmarks of

Focuses on distinctive or typical features.

carry the imprint of

Emphasizes a lasting and distinctive impression.

FAQs

How can I use "bear the marks of" in a sentence?

Use "bear the marks of" to describe something that shows clear evidence of a past event, experience, or influence. For example, "The ancient ruins "bear the marks of" a once-thriving civilization".

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

You can use alternatives like "show signs of", "exhibit traces of", or "display evidence of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "wear the marks of" instead of "bear the marks of"?

While "wear the marks of" can be used, ""bear the marks of"" is often preferred in more formal writing to convey a deeper, more inherent impact.

What's the difference between "bear the marks of" and "carry the marks of"?

"Bear the marks of" emphasizes the inherent qualities resulting from an experience, while "carry the marks of" suggests a more active or burdensome aspect of enduring those marks.