What are the definitions of “bear out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confirm that something is correct.
Statistics BEAR OUT the government's positions on the issue.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bear out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bear out is to confirm or support that something is correct or true. It is often used when talking about evidence, facts, or statistics that support a claim or statement.
What are the different verb forms of “bear out”?
| Root Verb | bear out |
| Third Person Singular Present | bears out |
| Present Participle | bearing out |
| Simple Past | bore out |
| Past Participle | borne out |
Example
The research bears out the theory that exercise improves mental health.
Example
The data bears out the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy.
Example
The results are bearing out our hypothesis about the cause of the problem.
Example
The investigation bore out the allegations against the company.
Example
Her suspicions were borne out when the truth was revealed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bear out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“bear out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The evidence bears out his claim.
Example
The study bore out the benefits of the new treatment.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bear out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The evidence bears out his claim.
Example
The study bore out the benefits of the new treatment.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bear out”?
Bear out the truth
To confirm or support the truth of something.
Example
The investigation will bear out the truth about the incident.
Bear out a claim
To provide evidence or support for a claim.
Example
The new data bears out the claim that the policy is effective.
Bear out a theory
To provide evidence or support for a theory.
Example
The experiment bore out the theory that sleep affects memory.
Good things to know
Does “bear out” have an informal or formal tone?
Bear out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in academic writing, professional settings, and everyday conversations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “bear out”?
Synonyms
- confirm
- corroborate
- affirm
- support
- substantiate
- verify
- validate
- prove
- back up
Antonyms
- disprove
- contradict
- debunk
- discredit
- deny
- refute
- invalidate
- negate
- rebut
