Phrasal verb
bear out
Meanings
To confirm or support a statement, belief, or prediction with evidence or experience.
To remain true or valid when tested, examined, or over time.
Definition
To bear out means to support or confirm that something is true.
If evidence or experience bears out a claim, it shows that the claim is correct. You can use it when facts, results, or later events confirm what someone said. It is common in both spoken and written English, especially in formal contexts.
Examples
- The footage bore out his account of what happened.
- My experience bears out the idea that practice matters.
- The test results bore out her suspicion about the wiring.
- Their later success bore out the coach’s confidence in them.
Common mistake
Learners often misuse it to mean “carry something outside,” but bear out means “confirm” or “prove true.”
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.