bears the mark of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears the mark of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something has been clearly affected by something else. For example, "This book bears the mark of the author's experience in the publishing industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

True Edam bears the mark of "Holland" on its rind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

" Bears the mark of a well-informed writer".aEdinburgh Courant.

Cornell University

Each piece bears the mark of Lesser's intellectual vitality.

The New York Times - Books

The headstone bears the mark of the 34th Squad, which investigated the murder.

The New York Times

The central character also bears the mark of Rowling's predilection for physical distinctiveness.

The Guardian - Books

For Bonaventure, every creature to some degree bears the mark of its Creator.

Britannica

To some scholars, the 20th century bears the mark of Twain.

The New York Times

It bears the mark of the individual who has laboured to master it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He bears the marks of his experience.

The New Yorker

Shedal bears the marks of months of being a frontline.

The Guardian

His nose still bears the marks of a cut.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears the mark of" to emphasize a clear and recognizable influence or characteristic. It adds a layer of depth and insight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bears the mark of" for merely stating facts. Reserve it for instances where the influence or characteristic is significant and adds meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears the mark of" functions as a verb phrase that connects a subject with a characteristic or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It indicates that something visibly exhibits qualities resulting from a particular source or event, making it easily identifiable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bears the mark of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something exhibits distinctive characteristics or influences from a particular source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academia. While its usage is relatively formal, it remains accessible and impactful. To ensure clarity, reserve it for significant influences rather than simple descriptions. Consider similar phrases like "shows evidence of" or "reflects the impact of" to add variety to your writing. "Bears the mark of" remains a valuable tool for expressing clear and recognizable influences in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows evidence of

Directly points to proof or indication of something's influence.

carries the imprint of

Focuses on the lasting effect or impression something leaves.

reflects the impact of

Indicates how something mirrors the effect of something else.

displays the hallmarks of

Emphasizes the distinctive features or indicators present.

reveals the influence of

Highlights how something has been affected or shaped.

is indicative of

Suggests that something serves as a sign or symptom.

exhibits the characteristics of

Highlights the specific traits or qualities that are apparent.

possesses the attributes of

Focuses on the inherent qualities or features something has.

betrays the presence of

Implies the revealing of something that might not be immediately obvious.

testifies to the effect of

Highlights how something serves as a strong demonstration of an influence.

FAQs

How can I use "bears the mark of" in a sentence?

Use "bears the mark of" when you want to indicate that something clearly shows the influence or characteristics of something else. For example, "The painting "bears the mark of" Van Gogh's style".

What phrases are similar to "bears the mark of"?

You can use alternatives like "shows evidence of", "exhibits the characteristics of", or "reflects the impact of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bears the mark of" in formal writing?

Yes, ""bears the mark of"" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and widely used in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "bears the mark of" and "is characterized by"?

"Bears the mark of" suggests influence or origin, while "is characterized by" simply describes prominent qualities or features.