It bears repeating that
Academic essay writing expression
Literally: It carries the weight of being said again that
In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight a point that is extremely important.
- Common in academic writing, speeches, and professional presentations.
- Signals that the speaker is repeating a crucial fact intentionally.
Meaning
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize a point that is so important it deserves to be said again. It signals to your listener that the following information is vital and should not be forgotten.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a formal academic essay
It bears repeating that the results of this study are preliminary.
It bears repeating that the results of this study are preliminary.
During a safety briefing at work
It bears repeating that helmets must be worn at all times.
Texting a friend about a party
It bears repeating: do NOT bring your crazy ex to the party!
It bears repeating: do NOT bring your crazy ex to the party!
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'It bears repeating' is often used to align a team around a 'Mission Statement' or 'Core Value.' It is seen as a sign of strong, clear leadership. In British English, the phrase is often used in academic or legal contexts to provide a polite but firm emphasis without sounding too aggressive. When translating this sentiment into Japanese, speakers often use 'Kurikaeshi ni narimasu ga' to apologize for the repetition, reflecting a culture that values brevity and listener intuition. German speakers value 'Eindeutigkeit' (clarity/unambiguity). Using a phrase like this in a German-to-English business context is highly appreciated as it removes any doubt about what is important.
The 'Pause' Technique
When speaking, pause for one second after saying 'It bears repeating that' before delivering your main point. This creates suspense and ensures everyone is listening.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase more than once in a 10-minute speech, it loses its power and you start to sound repetitive yourself.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight a point that is extremely important.
- Common in academic writing, speeches, and professional presentations.
- Signals that the speaker is repeating a crucial fact intentionally.
What It Means
This phrase is your way of saying "Listen closely." It tells the listener that the next point is crucial. You are choosing to say something for a second time. Why? Because it is just that important. It acts like a highlighter for your spoken or written words. Think of it as a verbal "important" sticker. It suggests the idea is too big to mention only once.
How To Use It
Place it right at the start of your sentence. It acts as a formal introduction to a key fact. You usually follow it with the word that. For example: It bears repeating that we must stay focused. It sets a serious, deliberate tone for your message. Use it to bring back a point mentioned earlier. It connects your current thought to a previous one. It makes your argument feel cohesive and strong.
When To Use It
Use it in academic essays to drive a point home. It works wonders in business presentations or formal speeches. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and wise. It is perfect for emphasizing safety rules or core values. If you are debating, use it to remind people of your strongest argument. It makes you sound like you have thought deeply about the topic. It is a great tool for leaders and teachers.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for small, everyday things. Saying It bears repeating that I need coffee sounds too dramatic. Unless you are being funny, keep it for serious matters. Don't use it more than once in a short conversation. It loses its power if you repeat everything! If the point isn't actually important, skip this phrase. It can sound a bit "stuck up" in very casual settings. Use it sparingly to keep its impact high.
Cultural Background
The word bear here means "to be able to support." It suggests the idea is strong enough to be said twice. This phrase has deep roots in formal English rhetoric. It reflects a culture that values clarity and emphasis. In Western academia, repeating a thesis is a sign of strength. It shows you are guiding the reader through your logic. It feels very "old school" but remains highly respected today. It carries a sense of tradition and intellectual weight.
Common Variations
You might hear people say It is worth repeating. This is slightly softer but has the same meaning. Let me reiterate is another common, formal alternative. In more casual speech, people just say Again, .... I’ll say it again is the most direct version. However, It bears repeating remains the king of formal emphasis. It adds a layer of sophistication that other phrases lack. It sounds more poetic than simply saying "remember this."
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it when you want to appear professional, academic, or deeply serious about a topic.
The 'Pause' Technique
When speaking, pause for one second after saying 'It bears repeating that' before delivering your main point. This creates suspense and ensures everyone is listening.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase more than once in a 10-minute speech, it loses its power and you start to sound repetitive yourself.
Softening the Blow
You can use this to remind someone of a rule they broke without sounding like you are scolding them. It makes the rule the 'subject' rather than your anger.
Examples
6It bears repeating that the results of this study are preliminary.
It bears repeating that the results of this study are preliminary.
Used to ensure the reader doesn't over-interpret the findings.
It bears repeating that helmets must be worn at all times.
Emphasizes a life-saving rule that everyone already knows but needs to remember.
It bears repeating: do NOT bring your crazy ex to the party!
It bears repeating: do NOT bring your crazy ex to the party!
Using a formal phrase for a casual situation adds a humorous, dramatic effect.
It bears repeating that I will always support your dreams.
It bears repeating that I will always support your dreams.
Shows sincerity and reinforces a deep emotional commitment.
It bears repeating that our customers are the heart of this company.
It bears repeating that our customers are the heart of this company.
Reinforces the company's core values during a meeting.
It bears repeating that you should never talk to strangers.
It bears repeating that you should never talk to strangers.
Used to emphasize a critical safety lesson.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct spelling and form to complete the sentence.
While we have seen some progress, ________ that we are still far from our target.
We use 'bears' (to carry) and the gerund 'repeating'.
Fill in the missing words to complete this formal signpost.
It _______ repeating _______ the safety of our passengers is our top priority.
The standard structure is 'bears repeating that'.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. 'It bears repeating that...' | 2. 'Like I said...' | 3. 'At the risk of repeating myself...'
'It bears repeating' is the most formal; 'Like I said' is informal; 'At the risk of' is a polite middle ground.
Complete the dialogue using the phrase 'It bears repeating that'.
Speaker A: 'I think the team understands the new rules.' | Speaker B: 'Maybe, but in the meeting tomorrow, ____________________ no exceptions will be made.'
The speaker wants to emphasize a strict rule in a formal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhile we have seen some progress, ________ that we are still far from our target.
We use 'bears' (to carry) and the gerund 'repeating'.
It _______ repeating _______ the safety of our passengers is our top priority.
The standard structure is 'bears repeating that'.
1. 'It bears repeating that...' | 2. 'Like I said...' | 3. 'At the risk of repeating myself...'
'It bears repeating' is the most formal; 'Like I said' is informal; 'At the risk of' is a polite middle ground.
Speaker A: 'I think the team understands the new rules.' | Speaker B: 'Maybe, but in the meeting tomorrow, ____________________ no exceptions will be made.'
The speaker wants to emphasize a strict rule in a formal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'I'm repeating myself' is a simple statement of fact. 'It bears repeating' is a justification—it says *why* you are repeating yourself (because it's important).
It's usually too formal for a text unless you are being intentionally dramatic or serious with a friend. 'Again, don't forget...' is better for texting.
Because 'bear' means to support or carry. You are saying the point is strong enough to carry the weight of being said again.
No, that sounds a bit aggressive. Keep it impersonal: 'It bears repeating that...'
Yes, it is very common in both British and American formal English.
Usually a fundamental truth, a safety rule, or a core business goal.
You can say 'It bore repeating,' but it's rare. It's usually used for truths that are still true now.
Yes, it's excellent for concluding a section of a thesis or a research paper.
If used for a small, unimportant thing, yes. If used for a major point, it sounds professional.
You can just say 'Crucially,' or 'Importantly,'.
Related Phrases
It goes without saying
contrastSomething so obvious it doesn't need to be mentioned.
Needless to say
similarUsed to introduce a point that is expected.
To reiterate
synonymTo say something again for clarity.
For the record
similarTo say something officially.
