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Prepositions after verbs

bear in, on, with, by or out?

The verb 'bear' combines with different particles and prepositions to create different meanings. Some combinations are fixed expressions.

Quick answer

Common combinations with bear

Use 'bear with' to ask for patience, 'bear out' to mean support or confirm, and 'bear in mind' as a fixed expression meaning remember. 'Bear on' means relate to a topic. 'Bear by' is not a standard combination with this meaning.

bear with me for a moment
The evidence bore out her claim
bear in mind that prices may change
How does this bear on our decision?

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
bear with + person

Asking someone to be patient

Use 'bear with' when asking for patience or understanding.

Bear with us while we fix the issue
2
bear out + statement

Showing that evidence supports something

Use 'bear out' to mean confirm or support a claim.

Recent data bears out the original estimate
3
bear on + topic

Showing relevance to a subject

Use 'bear on' when something relates to or affects a topic.

The report bears on public safety
4
bear in mind + clause/noun

Reminding someone to remember something

'Bear in mind' is a fixed expression meaning remember or consider.

Bear in mind that delivery may take longer

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
bear with
Please bear with me during the presentation.
ask for patience
bear out
The results bear out the earlier research.
confirm or support
bear on
His comments bear on the budget debate.
relate to or affect
bear in mind
Bear in mind that seats are limited.
remember or consider
bear by
The phrase 'bear by' is not a standard combination with these meanings.
generally nonstandard in this context

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using 'bear by' for patience

English uses 'bear with' when asking for patience.

✕ Bear by me for a minute. ✓ Bear with me for a minute.

Confusing 'bear out' and 'bear on'

'Bear out' means confirm, while 'bear on' means relate to.

✕ The figures bear on his theory. ✓ The figures bear out his theory.

Leaving out 'mind'

The fixed expression is 'bear in mind'.

✕ Bear in that deadlines are strict. ✓ Bear in mind that deadlines are strict.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Please ___ me while I restart the system.
2. The witness statements ___ the manager's version of events.
3. How does this issue ___ our plans?

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'bear in' correct by itself?

Usually no. English normally uses the fixed phrase 'bear in mind'.

Can 'bear on' mean carry physically?

No. In this pattern, 'bear on' means relate to a subject or influence it.

Is 'bear with' formal or informal?

It works in both formal and informal English, especially in requests for patience.

back-by-away-out-in, up backfire on, in, as, at or with? backtrack on, to, in, after or by? "baffle by" or "baffle as"? "bake in" or "bake for"? balance by, in, on, with or between? ban from, in, for, by or on? "bang on" or "bang for"? "banish from" or "banish to"? baptize in, by, into, with or on? "bargain for" or "bargain with"? "bark at" or "bark in"?

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