bears the marks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears the marks of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something shows evidence or characteristics of a particular influence, style, or condition. Example: "The painting bears the marks of the artist's unique style, evident in the brushwork and color choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He bears the marks of his experience.

The New Yorker

His nose still bears the marks of a cut.

The New York Times

The book, like a scarred body, bears the marks of its history.

Independent

It is a style, incidentally, that bears the marks of a more recent upstart.

The New York Times

Her long hair is left unashamedly grey and her face bears the marks of her life.

The Guardian - Books

The neighborhood still bears the marks of its twin calamities: wartime internment and 1960s redevelopment.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears the marks of" to subtly imply a history or influence, adding depth to your description. For example, instead of saying 'the building was damaged in the war', try 'the building bears the marks of the war'.

Common error

Avoid using "bears the marks of" for straightforward descriptions where simpler language suffices. Saying 'the shirt bears the marks of dirt' is less direct than 'the shirt is dirty'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears the marks of" functions as a verb phrase that attributes a quality or characteristic to a subject, indicating that it exhibits evidence or signs resulting from a particular influence, event, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bears the marks of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something exhibits evidence or characteristics resulting from past influences or experiences. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When writing, use this phrase to subtly imply a history or influence. Be mindful to avoid overuse in simpler descriptions where direct language suffices. You can consider alternatives such as "shows signs of" or "reflects the influence of" to enhance your expression. This phrase adds depth and nuance, making it valuable in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows evidence of

Replaces the figurative "bears the marks" with a more literal expression of evidence.

exhibits signs of

Similar to 'shows evidence', but emphasizes outward display or indications.

displays traces of

Focuses on residual elements or hints suggesting a past event or influence.

manifests characteristics of

More formal and emphasizes inherent qualities as a result of something.

reflects the influence of

Highlights the impact and effect of something on the subject.

reveals the impact of

Emphasizes the disclosure or uncovering of the effect.

is indicative of

Suggests that something serves as an indicator or sign.

carries the imprint of

Uses a metaphor to suggest a lasting impression or effect.

evinces the effects of

A more formal way to express showing clear results or consequences.

testifies to the presence of

Indicates that something provides evidence or confirmation of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "bears the marks of" to describe how something shows evidence or characteristics of past events or influences. For example, "The old book "bears the marks of" many readings, with its worn cover and dog-eared pages."

What are some alternatives to "bears the marks of"?

You can use alternatives like "shows signs of", "exhibits traces of", or "reflects the influence of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "bears the mark of" instead of "bears the marks of"?

While "bears the mark of" can be correct, it typically refers to a singular, specific mark or symbol. "Bears the marks of" is more appropriate when referring to multiple signs or effects from something.

What's the difference between "bears the marks of" and "wear the marks of"?

"Bears the marks of" typically refers to inanimate objects or abstract concepts displaying evidence of something, while "wear the marks of" is often used for people or animals showing the effects of experience or hardship.