Bear With Me or Bare With Me? Here's the Correct Spelling
Bear is the correct verb when asking for patience, meaning "to endure" or "to be patient." The phrase "bear with me" politely requests someone's patience while completing a task or thought.
The common misspelling "bare with me" actually means "to uncover with me," as bare means "to reveal or expose." This incorrect version should never be used when requesting patience.
"Bear with me" can be used:
- As a standalone phrase
- With please for added politeness
- With conjunctions (as, while, for)
- In question form
- Plurally as "bear with us"
Common alternatives include:
- Please hold on for a moment
- Thank you for your patience
- Please stand by
- Just a moment
- Give me a second
Memory tip: Think of a patient bear during hibernation to remember the correct spelling. Bears endure long winters, just as someone bearing with you endures a wait.
Verb tense examples:
- Present: "Please bear with me"
- Past: "Thank you for bearing with me"
- Future: "Will you bear with me?"
- Perfect: "You have borne with me"
The phrase originated from Old English beran (meaning "to carry or support") and has been common since the 16th century. In professional settings, "bear with me" helps maintain a formal, respectful tone while acknowledging others' time.
Remember: When requesting patience, always use "bear with me" - never "bare with me."
