bearing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bearing on" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase generally means to have a direct or relevant connection to something. For example, "The professor presented new evidence bearing on the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But this has no bearing on nutrition.

The New York Times

But that has no bearing on anything.

The New York Times

conference had no bearing on the outcomes".

The New York Times

That has no bearing on the legality.

The New York Times

It has no bearing on the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Many have a direct bearing on Australia's economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely rarity has no bearing on how good something tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This will have no bearing on his future with Granada".

The Guardian

Dr. Oppenheimer said genes "have no bearing on cultural history".

The New York Times - Science

"That has absolutely no bearing on my life — none".

The New York Times

These statistics have a significant bearing on petitioner's case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bearing on" when you want to emphasize a direct and relevant connection between two things. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bearing on" when the connection is indirect or tenuous. Opt for phrases like "related to" or "associated with" if the relationship is not a primary factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bearing on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating relevance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing how the phrase connects a subject to a related factor or event. It typically modifies a noun or verb phrase, adding specificity regarding the connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bearing on" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a direct relevance or influence between two things. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in formal contexts like news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the connection is significant and direct, and to avoid using it when the relationship is weak or indirect. If necessary, related phrases like "relevant to" or "related to" can provide alternatives, each with slight differences in emphasis. This phrase is a useful tool for establishing clear and impactful connections in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant to

Replaces the idiom with a more direct prepositional phrase.

pertinent to

Uses a more formal adjective to indicate relevance.

related to

Offers a simpler and more general alternative.

has relevance to

Transforms the phrase into a verb-based construction emphasizing the existence of relevance.

has an impact on

Focuses on the effect or influence rather than simple relevance.

affects

Provides a concise verb emphasizing direct influence.

concerns

Highlights the topic or subject matter involved.

has a connection with

Emphasizes the existence of a link or association.

is significant for

Highlights the importance or consequence of the relationship.

applies to

Suggests a direct and practical relevance or applicability.

FAQs

How can I use "bearing on" in a sentence?

Use "bearing on" to indicate a direct relevance or influence. For example, "The new evidence had a significant "bearing on" the outcome of the trial."

What phrases can I use instead of "bearing on"?

You can use alternatives like "relevant to", "related to", or "has an impact on" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each carries a slightly different emphasis, as in "relevant to the discussion" or "has an impact on the decision".

What's the difference between "bearing on" and "related to"?

"Bearing on" typically suggests a more direct and significant influence or relevance than "related to". "Related to" simply indicates a connection, while ""bearing on"" implies a more crucial impact.

Is it always appropriate to use "bearing on" in formal writing?

While "bearing on" is suitable for formal writing, ensure that the context warrants its use. If the connection is weak, using a more general phrase like "related to" may be more accurate.