bring to bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'bring to bear' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the use of a particular strategy, force, or influence in a situation. For example, you could say, "The Prime Minister brought to bear her diplomatic experience in resolving the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Google will undoubtedly bring to bear tremendous resources itself".

The New York Times - Tech

It also depends on the social values you bring to bear on the research.

The New York Times

Still, it is not clear what leverage Cites can bring to bear.

The New York Times

Candidates who don't will face whatever political pressure the group can bring to bear.

The New York Times

"Every nuance he could bring to bear to make a film real, he'd do it.

The New York Times

And what resources, exactly, can we bring to bear to achieve specific goals?

The New Yorker

What can 5th Cell bring to bear against firepower like that?

Independent

I pass or fail with the audience on the merit of what I bring to bear.

The Guardian

He said he hoped to bring to bear Karim's "fragility combined with his vigour".

The Guardian - Books

How much pressure these one-day strikes will bring to bear on employers is not clear.

The New York Times

And I have a depth of experience that I've learned from and can bring to bear".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bring to bear", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the resource being applied and the target or objective it's being applied to. For example, "The company brought its financial resources to bear on the marketing campaign".

Common error

Avoid using "bring to bear" in a passive voice or in sentences where it's unclear who or what is doing the "bringing". Ensure the subject actively applies the resource.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring to bear" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of applying a resource, skill, or quality to achieve a specific objective. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from political pressure to cinematic artistry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bring to bear" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of applying resources, skills, or influence to achieve a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral contexts. To use it effectively, ensure that the sentence clearly identifies both the resource and the target. Frequent in news, scientific, and business contexts, "bring to bear" indicates a strategic and intentional application of available means. While alternatives such as "apply pressure" or "exert influence" exist, "bring to bear" offers a unique emphasis on strategic deployment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply pressure

This alternative suggests exerting influence or force to achieve a desired outcome. It focuses on the act of applying force.

exert influence

This phrase highlights the use of influence, whether direct or indirect, to affect a situation or decision.

bring into play

This alternative suggests introducing or activating a resource, skill, or strategy that was previously not in use.

utilize resources

This option emphasizes the practical application of available resources to achieve a specific purpose.

employ strategies

This highlights the use of deliberate methods to achieve a particular objective.

leverage assets

This implies strategically using assets or advantages to maximize impact or achieve a goal.

put to use

This is a simpler alternative that means to use something for a particular purpose.

call upon

This suggests requesting or utilizing a particular quality, ability, or resource.

exercise authority

This indicates the use of official power to influence events or decisions.

draw on

This phrase suggests utilizing knowledge, experience, or resources from a specific source.

FAQs

How can I use "bring to bear" in a sentence?

Use "bring to bear" to describe the action of applying a specific force, influence, or resource to achieve a particular goal. For example, "The lawyer will "apply pressure" by bringing to bear all available evidence during the trial".

What are some alternatives to "bring to bear"?

Some alternatives include "exert influence", "utilize resources", or "employ strategies" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "bring to bear" in formal writing?

While "bring to bear" is suitable for formal writing, consider whether a more direct alternative like "put to use" or "apply pressure" might be clearer and more concise in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "bring to bear" and "draw on"?

"Bring to bear" usually refers to applying force or resources to a specific situation or problem, while "draw on" indicates using knowledge, experience, or a particular quality from a source. They can be synonymous in some contexts, but their emphasis differs.