bore a child

USAGE SUMMARY

"bore a child" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a woman giving birth to a baby. For example, "After nine months of pregnancy, Jane was happy to finally bore a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

She had at least one miscarriage, but never bore a child.

The New York Times - Books

He went back to Japan, married a distant cousin, who bore a child and then died.

The New Yorker

In practice, he and Hendrickje became husband and wife and bore a child, Cornelia.

The New York Times - Travel

She ultimately bore a child severely affected by Down syndrome, which could have been detected with the test.

The New York Times

Anthropologists have estimated that on average they could have given birth to less than five live babies, assuming that they bore a child every 22 months.

Stanford University

"But if the woman bore a child as a result of the relationship, that child was legitimate and was entitled to share in the father's inheritance".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Then Ruth bears a child -- a sign of hope.

The New York Times

Why was she unable to bear a child?

The Guardian - Film

Hast thou ne'er borne a child, that thou hast none?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The girl child is not physically, let alone emotionally, ready to bear a child.

Independent

The main character is Hester Prynne, a young woman who has borne a child out of wedlock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bore a child", consider the context. It's more common in literary or historical narratives than in everyday conversation. For a modern tone, "gave birth to a child" is often preferable.

Common error

Ensure consistency in tense. "Bear" is the infinitive, "bore" is the past tense, and "borne" is the past participle. Avoid using "bear" when the past tense is required: it should be "bore a child", not "bear a child".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bore a child" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically indicating the action of giving birth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression for describing childbirth. The examples show it used in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bore a child" is a grammatically sound phrase that denotes the act of giving birth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it finds use across varied contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, albeit less frequently than more modern alternatives. While grammatically correct, opting for alternatives like "gave birth to a child" might make your writing sound more contemporary. When you choose this expression, remember its subtle formality and ensure consistent tense usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave birth to a child

This alternative uses a more common and contemporary expression for childbirth.

had a baby

A simple and widely used expression indicating the event of childbirth.

brought a child into the world

This phrase emphasizes the act of introducing a new life, adding a layer of significance.

welcomed a child into their lives

This emphasizes the emotional reception of a new baby, adding a personal touch.

delivered a baby

This is a more clinical and direct way of stating the act of childbirth.

become a parent

This shifts the emphasis to becoming a parent as the most important result of giving birth.

mothered a child

This shifts the focus to the role of the mother, highlighting her contribution.

produced offspring

A formal and biological way of indicating the creation of new life.

parented a child

This focuses on the broader role of raising a child, encompassing both parents.

spawned a child

This expression is typically used in informal contexts, and sometimes in a humorous way, to describe giving birth.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "bore a child"?

To say someone "bore a child" means that they gave birth to a child. It's a slightly older, more formal way of expressing childbirth.

Is "bore a child" the same as "gave birth to a child"?

Yes, "bore a child" and "gave birth to a child" are synonymous. However, "gave birth to a child" is more commonly used in contemporary English.

What are some alternatives to saying someone "bore a child"?

Alternatives include "gave birth to a child", "had a baby", or "delivered a baby", depending on the context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bore a child"?

The phrase "bore a child" is appropriate in historical contexts, literary writing, or when aiming for a more formal or traditional tone. In everyday conversation, "gave birth to a child" is generally preferred.