"Bear in mind" means to remember something, to keep something in your thoughts, or to consider something when making a decision or forming an opinion. It's a way of gently reminding someone to consider a particular fact or piece of information.
The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "bear" can mean to carry or support, the specific combination with "in mind" creates a meaning that goes beyond the literal definitions of the individual words.
The register is neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both spoken and written communication, but it might sound a bit more formal than simply saying "remember" or "keep in mind."
The grammatical pattern is verb + particle + noun, functioning as a transitive phrasal verb. The verb is "bear", the particle is "in", and the noun is "mind".
Typical objects that follow "bear in mind" are clauses or noun phrases that represent the information to be remembered or considered. It's often followed by "that + clause" or a simple noun phrase.
The components of "bear in mind" cannot be separated. You wouldn't say "bear the cost in mind" for example. The phrase must stay together.
It sounds unnatural to use a different verb in place of "bear" (e.g., "hold in mind"). Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "bear on mind", "bear in the mind") is also incorrect.
These examples are sourced from bear in mind on Ludwig.guru.
"And Bear in Mind." — The New York Times - Books
"Bear in mind two points." — The Guardian - Opinion
"Bear in mind its cost is higher." — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Bear in mind: It is an exercise of futility." — Computer and Information Security Handbook
"Bear in mind it is cruelty free." — The Guardian - Lifestyle
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/bear+in+mind
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| keep in mind | Very similar in meaning and register; slightly more common. |
| remember | More direct and less formal. |
| take into account | Emphasizes the act of considering something; slightly more formal. |
| consider | A general term for thinking about something. |
| don't forget | Used to remind someone of something important. |
| be aware | Highlights the need to be informed about something. |
| mind you | Used as a parenthetical remark to add a qualification or reminder; more informal. |
| Expression | Meaning | Grammatical Pattern | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| bear in mind | remember, consider | verb + particle + noun | neutral to slightly formal |
No, the parts of the expression "bear in mind" cannot be separated. It functions as a single unit, and separating it (e.g., "bear the cost in mind") would sound unnatural and grammatically incorrect. The phrase must always stay together.
"Bear in mind" and "keep in mind" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Keep in mind" is perhaps slightly more common in everyday conversation, while "bear in mind" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.
The correct preposition to use with "bear in mind" is "in". It's a common mistake to use "of" (e.g., "bear in mind of"), which is grammatically incorrect. Always use "bear in mind" to express the idea of remembering or considering something.
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