Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'bear' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Bear witness
To 'bear witness' means to show or provide evidence that something exists or is true, or make a statement to that effect.
Examples
- The demonstrations on the streets bear witness to the anger felt by those living under that regime.
- Our beautiful new office building bears witness to the spectacular growth of the company.
- Susan was accused of bearing false witness at the trial, and is now facing a prison sentence herself.
Bear fruit
The collocation 'bears fruit' in a literal sense refers to a tree or plant that produces fruit. That meaning is extended figuratively to refer to something that produces successful or positive results.
Examples
- I love picking and eating fresh apples, so I hope my apple tree will bear fruit this summer.
- My months of effort eventually bore fruit when I got the deal over the line.
- It was a big investment I made in that startup business, but I hope it will bear fruit in the next few years.
Can/can't bear
Be able or unable to tolerate or accept somebody or something.
Examples
- I don't know how Tom can bear being around her. She would drive me mad!
- I could never be a doctor. I can't bear the sight of blood.
- Jane couldn't bear the thought of going into work this morning, so she called in sick.
Bear the cost/burden/responsibility
'Bear' used as a collocation in this context means to endure or take accountability for somebody or something. It is often associated with suffering consequences.
Examples
- Adam damaged my car, but at least he said he would bear the cost of fixing it.
- Since my wife lost her job, I've had to bear the burden of providing for the family alone.
- I don't mind bearing the responsibility of training new recruits. I like a challenge.
- She bore no responsibility for what happened. It was all my fault.
Bear arms
To 'bear arms' means to possess or carry a weapon.
Examples
- Under the Second Amendment, citizens in the United States have the right to bear arms.
- Police are concerned that some of the protesters in the crowd may be bearing arms.
- When faced with a foreign invader, people in the region bore arms rather than accepting defeat.