These two words sound exactly the same, but they have very different meanings! Getting them confused can have very embarrassing consequences ...

bare

"bare" means uncovered or naked.

bear

1. A large, dangerous, furry mammal.
2. To carry.
3. To have a tolerance for or endure.
4. To carry in the mind (e.g., bear a grudge).
5. To be accountable for (e.g., bear responsibility).
6. To have a tolerance for (e.g., couldn't bear the responsibility).

Correct: "Please bear with us while we remodel our store."

Incorrect: "Please bare with us while we remodel our store." (Unless you want to invite your customers to strip off their clothes and watch you working!)

Got a web site?

Want to find out about a very simple and FREE way to improve your web site's search engine ranking position?

Click here!

Find out about the Five Simple Steps you can take to get your web site up there in the search engine results. Anybody can follow this easy, cheap plan!

Find the answers to grammatical puzzles like this in The Grammar Cookbook!