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born and borne

be born​

To talk about coming into the world at birth, we use the passive expression to be born.

  • Hundreds of children are born deaf every year.

To give a place or date of birth, we use the simple past: was/were born.

  • I was born in 1936. (not I am born in 1936.)
  • My parents were born in Scotland.

The verb bear​

The verb bear (bore, borne) is used to talk about accepting or tolerating difficult experiences. It is most common in the expression can’t bear (= hate, can’t stand).

  • I can’t bear her voice.

In a very formal style, bear can be used with other meanings, including ‘give birth to’ and ‘carry’.

  • She bore six children in seven years. (More normal: She had six children …)
  • The king’s body was borne away to the cathedral.