Born vs. borne!!! Born and borne are two words that are often confused, but they have different meanings and uses. Born is commonly used with the sense of bear meaning “to give birth,” while borne is used in reference to carrying something (physically or figuratively), as a combining form with words like air. It is important to understand the difference between these two words in order to use them correctly.
The distinction between born and borne is a matter of verb tense and usage. Born is the past participle of the verb bear, and it is used to describe the act of giving birth or being brought into existence. On the other hand, borne is the past participle of the verb bear, and it is used to describe the act of carrying or supporting something. When it comes to usage, born is typically used to describe a person’s birth, while borne is used to describe the transportation of an object or idea.
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Born vs. Borne
Born and borne are two forms of the verb “bear.” They are often confused because they are homophones, which means they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Here are the definitions of born and borne:
- Born: to be brought into existence by birth. It is used to refer to the moment of birth or the fact of being alive. For example, “I was born in 1990″ or “He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”
- Borne: to carry or transport something, either physically or figuratively. It is used to refer to the act of carrying something, not the moment of birth. For example, “The ship was borne by the wind” or “She has borne the burden of her family’s financial problems.”
It is important to note that borne is also used as a past participle of bear in some contexts, such as in the phrase “borne out of necessity.” In this case, it means “to bring forth or produce.”
In addition, there is an exception to the rule of using “born” to refer to birth. When the subject is the mother rather than the child, the correct term is “borne,” not “born.” This can refer both to the moment of birth and to the whole pregnancy. For example, “Daniel’s mother had borne three children before him.”
Differences between Born vs. Borne
The Verb ‘Bear’ and Its Forms
The verb ‘bear’ has two forms that are commonly used: ‘born’ and ‘borne.’ Both forms are used to describe the act of carrying or giving birth to something. However, they differ in their usage and meaning.
BORN as Past Tense and Past Participle
‘Born’ is most commonly used as the past tense and past participle of the verb ‘bear’ when referring to the act of giving birth. For example, “She was born in 1990″ or “She has born two children.”
BORNE as Past Participle
‘Borne’ is used as the past participle of the verb ‘bear’ when referring to the act of carrying something. For example, “He has borne the weight of the world on his shoulders” or “The ship has borne the brunt of the storm.”
BORNE as Adjective
‘Borne’ can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is supported or transported. For example, “The burden was borne by the team” or “The message was borne out of a need for change.”
Borne Out vs. Born Out
‘Borne out’ and ‘born out’ are phrasal adjectives that have different meanings. ‘Borne out’ means that something has been proven to be true or correct, while ‘born out’ means that something has been created or produced. For example, “His theory was borne out by the evidence” or “The idea was born out of a brainstorming session.”
Common Mistakes and Confusion
When it comes to using born vs. borne, people often make mistakes. Here are some of the most common areas of confusion:
Problems with Using Born
One of the most common problems people face when using “born” is when they use it to refer to the mother instead of the child. In such cases, “borne” is the correct term to use. For example, you can say “Daniel’s mother had borne three children before him” instead of “Daniel’s mother had born three children before him.”
Another problem people face when using “born” is when they use it in the wrong tense. “Born” is the past participle of “bear” and is used to indicate the act of giving birth. However, it is not the correct term to use when referring to carrying something. In such cases, “borne” is the correct term to use. For example, you can say “the weight of the books was borne by the sturdy shelves” instead of “the weight of the books was born by the sturdy shelves.”
Dislike for Using Borne
Some people dislike using “borne” because it is not as commonly used as “born.” However, it is still a correct term to use in certain situations. In fact, using “borne” instead of “born” can add clarity to your writing.
Confusion with Colloquial Phrases
Another area of confusion when it comes to using born vs. borne is with colloquial phrases such as “born out of” and “borne out.” These phrases are almost the same, but not quite. “Born out of” means to be created or developed from something, while “borne out” means to be supported or confirmed by evidence. It is important to use the correct term in these situations to avoid confusion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the difference between born vs. borne is crucial for clear communication. While both words are forms of “bear,” they have distinct meanings and uses.
When discussing the act of giving birth, “born” is the correct term to use for the child while “borne” is used for the mother. Additionally, “borne” can refer to carrying something, either physically or figuratively.
In formal situations, it is important to use the correct word to convey professionalism and attention to detail. Using the wrong word can detract from the message and undermine the speaker’s credibility.
Having the courage to ask for clarification or to admit uncertainty can also be important in avoiding misunderstandings. Leaders who prioritize clear communication can set a positive example for their team and foster a culture of open dialogue.
Overall, understanding the difference between born vs. borne is a small but important aspect of effective communication. By paying attention to word choice and context, speakers can avoid confusion and convey their message with clarity and confidence.
When to Use Born vs. Borne | Infographic
What’s the Difference between Born vs. Borne?
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