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Petusek Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

'to bear' vs. 'to show'/'to display'

Hello everyone,

I'm aware of the (rather formal) use of the verb 'to bear' in phrases like...

bear the hallmarks/signs/stamp of something

...or...

bear a resemblance/relation/similarity to

...or...

bear the scars/marks of something

...and so on.

I wonder, however, whether the same verb can be used in other, more specific, contexts, such as...

Some species bear more pronounced incisor teeth.

Since nouns like 'features' or 'traits' or 'characteristics' are quite general, i.e. more abstract than a particular physical property, I'm not quite sure.

If 'to bear' can't be used in this way, would the following be ok?

a) Some species display more pronounced incisor teeth.
b) Some species show more pronounced incisor teeth.

Many thanks for your comments!

P.
  

Top answer

petusek Some species bear more pronounced incisor teeth. No, that does not work. Some species have more pronounced incisor teeth.

— AlpheccaStars

  • petusek Some species bear more pronounced incisor teeth.
  • No, that does not work.
  • Some species have more pronounced incisor teeth.
  • Some species have developed more pronounced incisor teeth.
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4 Answers
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petusekSome species bear more pronounced incisor teeth.
No, that does not work.

Some species have more pronounced incisor teeth.
Some species have developed more pronounced incisor teeth.
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petuseka) Some species display more pronounced incisor teeth.b) Some species show more pronounced incisor teeth
Those are fine.
petusekome species bear more pronounced incisor teeth.
That isn't,
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Excellent, then my instinct was right. Thanks a lot!
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Many thanks!

As to your suggestions, they are good, but seem to differ from the intended meaning a bit too much. Admittedly, I had altered the original sentence so as to simplify my question - too much, perhaps.

Thanks again, anyway!

P.
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