What Does “Bear sb out” Mean?
“Bear sb out” means to support or confirm what someone says, proving that their statement or claim is true.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “bear sb out” is used when someone’s words or opinions are confirmed by evidence or another person’s experience. It is often used in conversations and writing to show that an idea or statement is true because someone else agrees or facts support it. Understanding the bear sb out meaning helps English learners use it confidently in both formal and informal contexts. This phrase is especially useful when you want to emphasize that your information is reliable, thanks to someone else’s confirmation.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: bear somebody out (bear sb out)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to support or confirm what someone says
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Bear sb out” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always takes a direct object (somebody).
- Subject + bear + somebody + out
- Example: The evidence bears him out.
This phrasal verb is inseparable; you cannot place the object between “bear” and “out.”
Correct: She bears me out on that point. Incorrect: She bears out me on that point.
How to Use “Bear sb out”?
You use “bear sb out” when you talk about someone’s statement or opinion being confirmed by another person or evidence. It often appears in formal or semi-formal speech and writing, such as reports, news, or discussions. It emphasizes that the claim made by someone is true because it is supported by facts or witnesses.
It is commonly followed by the person or thing that supports the statement, for example, “The facts bear her out,” or “Several witnesses bore him out.”
Examples
- The witnesses bore him out during the trial.
- Her research bears her out and proves the theory is correct.
- Several experts bore him out when he explained the new method.
- The data bears out the scientist’s predictions.
- Bear sb out in a sentence: The results of the experiment bear the scientist out.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: The facts bear out him.
Correct: The facts bear him out. - Incorrect: She bears out me on this.
Correct: She bears me out on this. - Incorrect: They bear me out the evidence.
Correct: They bear me out with the evidence.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Back sb up: To support someone, often in an argument. It is more informal and can mean giving help, not just confirming facts.
- Confirm: To state that something is true, often used in formal contexts but not a phrasal verb.
- Corroborate: A formal word meaning to support with evidence, similar to “bear sb out.”
Difference: “Bear sb out” specifically means proving or confirming a statement or opinion, while “back sb up” can mean support in various ways, including emotionally or physically.
Common Collocations
- Bear the witness out
- Bear the statement out
- Bear the evidence out
- Bear the claim out
- Bear the report out
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bear sb out:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: I told you the new policy would improve sales.
Ben: Yes, the recent numbers bear you out. Sales have definitely increased.
Practice
Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
“The eyewitnesses _______ the suspect’s story during the trial.”
- a) bear out
- b) bear in
- c) bear up
Answer: a) bear out
FAQs
- What does “bear sb out” mean?
It means to support or confirm what someone says. - Is “bear sb out” formal or informal?
It is generally used in formal or semi-formal contexts. - Can I say “bear out sb”?
No, the object must come between “bear” and “out.” - What is a synonym for “bear sb out”?
“Corroborate” or “back sb up” (though “back up” is less formal). - Is “bear sb out” separable?
No, it is inseparable; the object always stays between the verb and particle.
