she bears him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she bears him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing relationships, particularly in literary or poetic expressions, often implying a sense of support or carrying a burden for someone. Example: "In times of trouble, she bears him with unwavering strength, never faltering in her loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The child she bears him, his or another's, reminds him, as if he needed reminding, that time is fast moving on.

The New Yorker

To reassure them, Rama banishes Sita to a hermitage, where she bears him two sons; eventually she reenters the earth from which she had been born.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An affluent young woman, she claims that Mussolini married her in 1914; she bears him a son, and then, as Mussolini rises to power, he discards her for another woman, to whom he is also married.

The New Yorker

Beginning with this very real drama, Cezair-Thompson tells the tale of two imagined women: a beautiful Jamaican teenager Flynn seduces during his time on the island and the daughter she bears him but whom he never cares to know.

The New York Times - Books

She bears him a son who dies, and two daughters, and much of the movie takes place in her early 30s when she's trying to break out of her housebound existence, get over her homesickness and come to terms with exile.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She bore him a child.

The New York Times - Books

She bore him five children, including Francis.

The Guardian - Books

Held in her virgin hands: she bore him not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There she bore him two more daughters in secret.

The New York Times - Books

She bore him two children before her death in 1615.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She bore him five sons and eight daughters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she bears him" to evoke a sense of historical context, often implying a significant or fateful birth. It's more impactful than common alternatives in specific literary or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "she bears him" in contemporary settings where it sounds overly formal or archaic. Opt for more natural phrasing like "she has his baby" or "she gives birth to his child" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she bears him" functions as a declarative statement describing the act of a woman giving birth to a child fathered by a specific man. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in literary and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

40%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she bears him" is a grammatically sound but relatively infrequent expression signifying that a woman gives birth to a man's child. As verified by Ludwig, it's best suited for formal, historical, or literary contexts due to its archaic tone. While grammatically correct, using it in contemporary settings may sound unnatural. Consider alternatives like "she gives birth to his child" or "she has his baby" for everyday use. The phrase's presence primarily in news and encyclopedia sources suggests its use for narrating historical or biographical events, emphasizing the woman's role in procreation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she gives birth to his child

More explicit about the childbirth aspect.

she has his baby

A more common and informal way to express childbirth.

she mothers his child

Focuses on the act of mothering rather than bearing.

she carries his child

Emphasizes the pregnancy aspect.

she is pregnant with his child

Directly states the pregnancy.

she conceives his child

Focuses on the moment of conception.

she endures motherhood for him

Highlights the challenges and sacrifices of motherhood.

she presents him with offspring

A more formal and archaic way to describe childbirth.

she begets him an heir

Focuses on producing an heir, common in historical contexts.

she provides him with a child

A broader way of saying she gives him a child, not necessarily specifying the birth.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "she bears him" a child?

It means she gives birth to his child. The phrase is often used in a literary or historical context to describe childbirth, emphasizing the woman's role in producing offspring.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "she bears him"?

It's appropriate in historical narratives, literary works, or formal writing where a slightly archaic or elevated tone is desired. Avoid it in casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "she bears him"?

Alternatives include "she gives birth to his child", "she has his baby", or "she mothers his child", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can find more alternatives on this page or you can check "she gives birth to his child", "she has his baby", "she mothers his child".

Is "she bears him" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it carries a formal and somewhat antiquated tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.