bears on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or has an impact on a particular subject or situation. Example: "The evidence presented in court bears on the defendant's guilt or innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem of non-uniqueness is not one that bears on this latter point.

Earth, Planets and Space

The loss to the Bears on Monday night imperiled that.

The New York Times

ONE year ago bears on China were a rare species.

The Economist

The UCC also bears on checks and other negotiable instruments.

Cornell University

There were no bears on the way down.

The New York Times - Travel

Otherwise, we'd just look like roaring bears on the prowl".

The Guardian

Why do you part with the bears on corporate earnings?

The New York Times

Some stopped to rest teddy bears on the stoop.

The New York Times

Remember those poignant photos of polar bears on melting icecaps?

The Guardian - Music

The area of magnetic classification within magnetic separation bears on the former case.

Minerals Engineering

It bears on 150 years of archaeological discoveries unevenly distributed on the Neolithic times.

L'Anthropologie

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears on" to emphasize a direct relevance or impact of one thing on another, especially in formal writing. Make sure the connection is clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "bears on" in very informal contexts. It is more suited to academic, professional, or news-related writing. Alternatives like "affects" or "relates to" might be better in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears on" functions as a transitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is relevant or has an impact on a specific subject or situation. The examples show it connecting different concepts to a central point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bears on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates relevance or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, showcasing its suitability for formal and neutral registers. While alternatives like "is relevant to" or "affects" exist, "bears on" provides a specific emphasis on direct influence, making it a valuable tool in academic, professional, and journalistic writing. Remember to use "bears on" to emphasize a clear, impactful connection between subjects and avoid using it in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant to

Uses a more direct and common expression to indicate relevance.

pertains to

Emphasizes a direct relationship or connection to the subject.

has a bearing on

Rephrases using the noun form of 'bear', implying influence.

affects

Focuses on the impact or influence on something.

impacts

Highlights the direct effect or influence.

is connected to

Indicates a relationship or link.

is related to

A broader term indicating a general connection.

has implications for

Focuses on the consequences or results.

influences

Emphasizes the power to change or affect.

concerns

Highlights the subject matter or focus.

FAQs

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

Use "bears on" to indicate that something is relevant or has an impact on a particular issue. For instance, "The new evidence "bears on" the investigation's outcome."

What alternatives exist for "bears on"?

You can use alternatives such as "is relevant to", "pertains to", or "has a bearing on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "bears on" in formal writing?

Yes, "bears on" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic papers, legal documents, and news articles to denote a significant relationship or impact.

What's the difference between "bears on" and "relates to"?

While both indicate a connection, ""bears on"" often implies a more direct and significant influence than "relates to", which can suggest a more general association.