"Bear that in mind" is an idiom meaning to remember or keep something in your awareness for future consideration. It's often used to gently remind someone of an important point they shouldn't forget.
The phrase combines "bear," which in this context means to carry or hold, and "mind," referring to one's thoughts or memory. When you ask someone to bear something in mind, you're asking them to hold onto that thought for later use. This idiom is common in both spoken and written English, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts.
This phrase appears in two main forms:
People use "bear that in mind" in professional settings, such as business meetings or emails, to emphasize key points. It's also common in casual conversations when offering advice. The phrase helps ensure the listener doesn't overlook important details.
Many people confuse "bear that in mind" with "bare that in mind." While "bare" means uncovered or unclothed, "bear" is the correct word in this idiom. Another mistake is using it too casually in informal settings, where simpler phrases like "remember" might work better.
Imagine you're giving a presentation about project deadlines. You might say, "Bear that in mind when planning your tasks-missing the deadline could delay the entire project." Here, you're asking your audience to keep the deadline in their thoughts while making decisions.