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Exposing the error: "bare witness" vs. "bear witness"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 23/10/2024, 19:09

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

Bare witness or bear witness. What's correct?

It is a spelling error and a homophone confusion.

Why do people make this mistake?

People often confuse "bare" with "bear" because they are homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. "Bear witness" is an idiomatic expression meaning to testify or provide evidence, whereas "bare" means uncovered or naked.

What is correct?

"Bear witness" is the correct expression to use when you mean to testify or provide evidence.

Examples of correct usage

She was called to bear witness at the trial.
The documentary bears witness to the effects of climate change.
He asked his friend to bear witness to the signing of the document.

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