brought to bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brought to bear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean to bring something to bear on a situation, or to use a particular thing to help you achieve a goal. For example, "We brought our legal knowledge to bear during the trial to help prove our client's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moral pressure is also brought to bear.

The Economist

Shareholder power may be brought to bear.

The Guardian - Opinion

But other sources of pressure are being brought to bear.

The New York Times

More effective versions are being brought to bear on melanoma.

The Economist

Particular focus is brought to bear at the inclusion matrix interface.

Acta Materialia

For these purposes, institutional theory is brought to bear upon this quasi-professional group.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

The letter trick brought to bear genuine emotions.

The New York Times - Magazine

No crosses were brought to bear on the networks.

The Washington Post

No fuss was made, no sanction brought to bear.

The Guardian - Sport

This sounds like good sense being brought to bear.

The Guardian - Sport

Both techniques were brought to bear in Pennsylvania.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brought to bear" when you want to emphasize the deliberate application of a resource, skill, or influence to achieve a specific effect or outcome. For example, "The company brought its marketing expertise to bear on the new product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "bring to bear" when referring to a past action. The correct form for past tense is "brought to bear". For instance, instead of "They bring to bear their experience," use "They brought to bear their experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought to bear" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the application or exertion of a force, influence, or resource. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly connects a subject with the action of using something effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brought to bear" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the application of force, influence, or resources to achieve a specific outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, lending itself to both neutral and formal registers. While it is a common phrase, understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts is key to effective communication. Remember to use the correct tense and consider alternatives like "applied" or "exerted" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put to use

A more straightforward way of saying something was used for a specific purpose.

applied

Emphasizes the practical use of something, like a skill or resource, to address a specific situation.

utilized

Highlights the efficient and effective use of available resources or methods.

exerted

Focuses on the action of applying force or influence, often in a more direct or forceful manner.

brought into play

Suggests introducing a new element or factor into a situation to achieve a desired outcome.

leveraged

Implies using something to maximum advantage, often in a strategic or calculated way.

implemented

Focuses on the execution or carrying out of a plan or strategy.

brought into effect

Emphasizes the activation or initiation of a policy, rule, or measure.

imposed

Suggests the application of something, often pressure or a burden, in a way that might be unwelcome.

set in motion

Focuses on initiating a process or series of events that lead to a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "brought to bear" signifies the application of a particular force, influence, or resource to achieve an effect. For example: "The company "brought to bear" all its resources on the project".

What are some alternatives to using "brought to bear"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exerted", "applied", or "utilized" instead of "brought to bear".

Is it correct to say "bring to bear" instead of "brought to bear"?

No, "bring to bear" is the infinitive form. Use "brought to bear" when referring to a past action. For example: "They "brought to bear" all their expertise on the problem".

What is the difference between "brought to bear" and "had a bearing on"?

"Brought to bear" implies a direct and intentional application of something. "Had a bearing on" suggests influence, but not necessarily through direct action. For example: "The evidence "brought to bear" directly influenced the outcome", versus "The evidence "had a bearing on" the jury's decision, though other factors were also considered".