can we bear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we bear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the ability to endure or tolerate something. Example: "Can we bear the thought of losing our home in this crisis?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Can we bear it?

The New York Times - Sports

Can we bear to remember certain things?

Independent

Can we bear to look?

The Guardian - Opinion

But then how much reality can we bear?

The New Yorker

How much can we bear of art that, like Sebald's writing, glories in bottomless malaise?

The New Yorker

But what kind of love is this, and how can we bear to watch it?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

How much can we Americans bear to see corporations treated as villains?

The New York Times

Can we really bear to watch as Clinton "takes our alliance [with Israel] to the next level"?

Huffington Post

Of course along with the supports we seek and we put in, so we can bear it.

Huffington Post

"We can bear our experience much more than we think we can.

The Washington Post

But even as we speak we also wonder if we are more monstrous than we can bear.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we bear", consider the emotional weight and impact of the situation you're describing. Is it something merely unpleasant, or deeply distressing? Choose synonyms like "endure" or "tolerate" for less intense situations.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "can we bear" can sound overly dramatic in formal writing. For professional or academic contexts, consider alternatives such as "are we able to withstand" or "what level of impact can we sustain" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we bear" functions as an interrogative expression, questioning the capacity or willingness to endure a particular situation, experience, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we bear" is a grammatically sound phrase used to question the ability to endure something. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources indicates it's most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the emotional weight it carries, and more formal alternatives may be appropriate in certain situations. When deciding how to phrase your expression, be mindful of nuances as they vary when comparing with expressions like "can we endure" or "can we tolerate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we endure

Replaces "bear" with "endure", emphasizing the capacity to withstand difficulty.

can we tolerate

Substitutes "bear" with "tolerate", focusing on acceptance of something unpleasant.

can we withstand

Replaces "bear" with "withstand", highlighting the resistance against something challenging.

are we able to bear

Emphasizes the ability to bear, focusing on capability.

is it bearable for us

Rephrases the question to focus on the bearability of the situation.

can we cope with

Replaces "bear" with "cope with", emphasizing the ability to manage or deal with something.

can we handle

Replaces "bear" with "handle", emphasizing the ability to manage a situation.

can we stomach

Uses "stomach" to suggest the ability to accept something unpleasant, often used metaphorically.

can we face

Uses "face" to emphasize the ability to confront a difficult situation or truth.

can we live with

Replaces "bear" with "live with", focusing on the long-term acceptance of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "can we bear" in a sentence?

Use "can we bear" to question the ability to endure something difficult or unpleasant. For example, "Can we bear the thought of increased taxes?"

What's the difference between "can we bear" and "can we tolerate"?

"Can we bear" often implies a heavier emotional or psychological burden, while "can we tolerate" suggests a more general acceptance of something unpleasant.

What can I say instead of "can we bear"?

You can use alternatives like "can we endure", "can we tolerate", or "are we able to bear" depending on the context.

Is "can we bear" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "can we bear" might be perceived as slightly informal in some academic contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative such as "are we capable of withstanding" for a more professional tone.