Writers often confuse “bear with me” and “bare with me.” The correct phrase is usually “bear with me,” which means to be patient or tolerant. “Bare with me” has a different meaning, usually related to exposure or undressing, and is rarely appropriate outside of very literal contexts.
Meaning of Each Phrase
Bear with me: This means “please be patient with me.” It comes from the verb “to bear,” which means to carry or endure.
Bare with me: This literally means “uncover with me” or “expose with me.” Unless you are talking about physically undressing, this usage is incorrect.
Examples in Sentences
- Correct: “Please bear with me while I restart the computer.”
- Incorrect: “Please bare with me while I restart the computer.”
- Literal use: “We had to bare the wires with a knife.”
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct Use | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bear with me | Yes | Be patient with me |
| Bare with me | Rare | Expose or uncover with me |
Common Mistakes
Writers often type “bare with me” by mistake, especially in emails or posts. Because “bear” and “bare” sound the same, spell-check tools may not catch the error. Remember: patience is carried, not uncovered.
FAQs
Why is “bear with me” correct?
It comes from the verb “bear,” meaning to endure or carry. The phrase asks someone to endure a short delay or inconvenience.
Is “bare with me” ever correct?
Yes, but only in very literal contexts involving exposure or removing a covering, which is not common in everyday writing.
How can I remember the difference?
Think: You “bear” a burden, you don’t “bare” it. Use “bear” when asking for patience.
Do professionals notice this mistake?
Yes. Using “bare with me” in business or academic writing can appear careless. “Bear with me” is always safer.
Conclusion
The safe and correct choice is almost always “bear with me.” It signals patience and professionalism. If you want to refine your writing further, resources like sentence structure guides and editing advice from WriteLight Group are excellent places to start. For deeper support, explore how to find the best editor for your book.
By practicing the correct use of common phrases, you strengthen clarity and confidence in your writing.
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