Phrasal verb
bear upon
Meanings
to be relevant to; to have a connection with a topic, question, or decision
to influence or affect; to have an impact on an outcome or situation
Definition
To bear upon something means to be relevant to it or to affect it.
If something bears upon an issue, it is connected to it in an important way. It can provide information that helps you understand the issue or it can influence what happens next. This phrasal verb is common in formal speech and writing, especially in discussions and analysis.
Examples
- These comments bear upon our choice of venue.
- I’m not sure how his earlier experience bears upon the current problem.
- Her latest email bears upon what we should do next.
- The weather forecast may bear upon their decision to hike tomorrow.
Common mistake
Learners often use "bear on" when they mean relevance; in formal usage, "bear upon" is the more standard choice for this meaning.
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.