What are the definitions of “bear down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To approach quickly and forcefully.
I could see a police car bearing down on us.
- 2To exert pressure or force.
It’s a natural instinct for a woman giving birth to bear down.
- 3To put pressure or weight on someone or something.
These two things seemed to bear down on me with all the weight of a personal failure.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bear down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bear down is to exert pressure or force on something. It can be used to describe physical pressure, such as pushing or pressing, or mental pressure, such as focusing on a task or dealing with stress.
What are the different verb forms of “bear down”?
| Root Verb | bear down |
| Third Person Singular Present | bears down |
| Present Participle | bearing down |
| Simple Past | bore down |
| Past Participle | borne down |
Example
When lifting heavy objects, it's important to bear down and use your legs.
Example
She bears down on the pencil when she writes, causing it to break easily.
Example
He is bearing down on the task to finish it before the deadline.
Example
Yesterday, the athlete bore down and pushed through the pain to finish the race.
Example
The weight of the responsibility had borne down on her for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bear down”?
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 down” 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
The storm bore down on the small town.
Example
She bore down during the final exam.
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 down” 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 storm bore down on the small town.
Example
She bore down during the final exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bear down”?
Good things to know
Does “bear down” have an informal or formal tone?
Bear down 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 academic or professional discussions.
