bearing up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bearing up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean "enduring difficult times or circumstances" or to describe someone who is being courageous in the face of adversity. For example, "In spite of the difficult situation, she is bearing up admirably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Music

Business

Style

Travel

Arts

Lifestyle

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How well do you think the parliamentary system is bearing up?WH: It bears up pretty well, is the answer.

The Economist

It's about a very contemporary woman, not a victim, but someone who bears up – only you don't see her bearing up.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm bearing up.

Independent

Is Clooney bearing up well?

The New Yorker

She's bearing up well.

The New York Times

How is he bearing up? "Hot," is his muffled reply.

The Guardian - Sport

As for Mr. Franks, friends say he's bearing up.

The New York Times

Some might say the band are "bearing up".

The Guardian - Music

His solicitor, Mark Stephens, said he was "quite chipper, he seemed to be bearing up".

The Guardian

How are you bearing up?" and she said "Write something for us".

The Guardian - Books

Defence sources say he is bearing up well, and is determined to plead not guilty.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bearing up" to describe someone who is facing a difficult situation with courage and resilience. It is particularly effective when highlighting their positive attitude or effort despite the hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "bearing up" when simply describing someone's physical condition or load-carrying ability. The phrase primarily conveys emotional or mental resilience during challenging times.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bearing up" functions primarily as a descriptive term, portraying an individual's capacity to withstand adversity and maintain composure. Ludwig confirms its validity. Examples show it describing individuals or entities managing challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sport

10%

Books

7%

Less common in

Music

7%

Business

5%

Style

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bearing up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe someone's ability to withstand difficult situations with courage. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usefulness in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, use it to highlight resilience, but avoid using it in place of simple physical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coping well

Focuses on the positive management of a situation, implying a degree of success.

managing well

Highlights the act of controlling or handling a situation effectively.

holding up

Implies a struggle to maintain composure or stability under pressure.

staying strong

Emphasizes resilience and emotional fortitude in the face of adversity.

keeping afloat

Suggests a struggle to survive or remain functional in difficult circumstances.

weathering the storm

Uses a metaphor to describe enduring a period of hardship or crisis.

persevering

Highlights continued effort and determination despite obstacles.

remaining resilient

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

standing firm

Emphasizes resistance to pressure or opposition.

enduring

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship over an extended period.

FAQs

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

You can use "bearing up" to describe how someone is coping with a difficult situation, for example: "Despite the challenges, she is "bearing up" well."

What does "bearing up" mean?

"Bearing up" means enduring difficult times or circumstances with courage and resilience.

What are some alternatives to "bearing up"?

Alternatives to "bearing up" include "coping well", "managing well", or "staying strong" depending on the context.

Is "bearing up" formal or informal?

"Bearing up" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news and media or everyday conversation.