Bear in Mind vs. Bare in Mind
“Bear in mind” is the established phrase for remembering or considering something. “Bare in mind” substitutes the unrelated word “bare” and is not the standard spelling for this meaning.
Write “bear in mind” when you mean “remember” or “keep in consideration.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Form | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| bear in mind | remember or keep in consideration | Correct fixed phrase. |
| bare in mind | not the standard phrase for this meaning | “Bare” means uncovered/expose in other contexts and does not supply the intended idiom. |
Quick tests
Meaning test
Could you replace the phrase with “remember” or “keep in mind”?
If yes: Write “bear in mind.”
If no: Choose “bear” or “bare” according to the separate meaning you actually need.
Caveat: The words are homophones in many accents, so sound is not a reliable spelling test.
Examples
Bear in mind that the deadline is Friday.
The phrase means “remember/consider.”
Bare in mind that the deadline is Friday.
Better: Bear in mind that the deadline is Friday.
The homophone “bare” is not the established phrase.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “bear in mind” when you mean remember or keep something in consideration. “Bare in mind” is not the standard spelling of this phrase.
Usage Boundary
The spelling follows the verb “bear” in the established phrase. Do not generalize this to every bear/bare choice; choose between the homophones by meaning.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Bear/keep something in mind — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence that the established phrase is “bear/keep something in mind,” meaning to remember or consider information.