Phrasal verb
bear on
Meanings
to be relevant to; to have an influence on
to press on something with weight or force
Definition
To bear on something is to be relevant to it or to affect it.
“Bear on” means to relate to a topic or situation in a way that matters. It is often used when discussing what information, facts, or events are relevant to a decision or conclusion. It can also mean to put pressure on something physically, though this is less common in everyday speech.
Examples
- These new findings bear on our decision about the schedule.
- Does this detail bear on what you were saying earlier?
- His past experience bears on how he handles the project now.
- The weather forecast will bear on whether we hike tomorrow.
- The heavy box bore on the thin shelf until it started to bend.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say “bear to” instead of “bear on” when they mean “be relevant to.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.