What are the definitions of “bear up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Resist pressure.
How are you BEARING UP under the strain?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bear up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bear up is to resist pressure or remain strong in a difficult situation. It is often used to ask someone how they are coping with a challenging circumstance.
What are the different verb forms of “bear up”?
| Root Verb | bear up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bears up |
| Present Participle | bearing up |
| Simple Past | bore up |
| Past Participle | borne up |
Example
She always bears up well under pressure.
Example
He bears up well during tough times.
Example
They are bearing up despite the challenges they face.
Example
She bore up well during the difficult period.
Example
He had borne up well under the strain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bear up”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“bear up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She bore up well during the difficult period.
Example
They are bearing up despite the challenges they face.
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 up” 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
She bore up well during the difficult period.
Example
They are bearing up despite the challenges they face.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bear up”?
Good things to know
Does “bear up” have an informal or formal tone?
Bear up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
