# bear on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bear-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be connected to or have an effect on a situation.

For teachers: to be relevant to or have a direct influence on a matter under consideration; often used in formal or legal contexts.

## Examples

- These new facts bear on the case.
- The judge ruled that the witness's personal history did not bear on the current trial.
- The committee must determine how these international trade regulations bear on the domestic manufacturing sector before drafting the final report.

## Pitfalls

- Not "This evidence bears to the problem." but "This evidence bears on the problem." — the verb 'bear' requires the preposition 'on' to mean relevance; 'to' is incorrect in this context.

## Usage notes

- usually used in the present tense and followed by a noun representing a topic or decision.
- Teaching tip: this is a formal alternative to 'relate to' or 'affect'; it is frequently found in academic writing and formal debates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.