bear in mind

Meaning

This expression means to remember, consider, or keep a specific piece of information in mind when making a judgment or analysis. In academic writing and debate, it is used to introduce crucial context, limitations of a study, or background assumptions.

Examples

• When analyzing these results, we must bear in mind that the sample size was relatively small.

  When analyzing these results, we must bear in mind that the sample size was relatively small.

• Please bear in mind that these historical documents were written during a time of strict censorship.

  Please bear in mind that these historical documents were written during a time of strict censorship.

• Bear in mind that the software is still in its beta phase, so minor bugs are expected.

  Bear in mind that the software is still in its beta phase, so minor bugs are expected.

• While the theory is useful, one must bear in mind its geographical limitations.

  While the theory is useful, one must bear in mind its geographical limitations.

• It is important to bear in mind that correlation does not imply causation.

  It is important to bear in mind that correlation does not imply causation.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We must bare in mind that the data is preliminary.

  ✓ We must bear in mind that the data is preliminary.

  Learners often confuse 'bare' (meaning naked or uncovered) with 'bear' (meaning to carry or hold).

• ✗ Bear in mind of the deadline when planning your research.

  ✓ Bear in mind the deadline when planning your research.

  Do not insert the preposition 'of' after 'bear in mind'. It directly takes a direct object or a 'that' clause.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We should ___ that the experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.

  💡 To remember or consider a fact.

  Show answer

  bear in mind

• Always ___ the target audience when drafting your research proposal.

  💡 To keep something in mind during a process.

  Show answer

  bear in mind