Grammar fix
have a bearing on
be relevant to / influence
To affect or influence something, or to be relevant to it. Used to show that one thing has an impact on another.
expressionC1occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Your attitude can have a bearing on how successful you are at work.
I believe that family background does have a bearing on a person’s educational opportunities, because parents’ support and resources can make a big difference.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: It has a bearing to the outcome.
Say: It has a bearing on the outcome.
It's 'a bearing ON something', not 'to'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Have a bearing on' packs 'is relevant to and affects' into a tidy phrase.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
have a bearing on
- on
- direct
- no
- little