have a bearing on — be relevant to / influence
expressionC1IELTS 7+formaloccasional
To affect or influence something, or to be relevant to it. Used to show that one thing has an impact on another.
Say it like a native
Textbook Your past performance is something that is relevant to and affects this decision.
Native Your past performance has a bearing on this decision.
'Have a bearing on' packs 'is relevant to and affects' into a tidy phrase.
Pattern: [noun/subject] has a bearing on [noun/issue]
In use
- Your attitude can have a bearing on how successful you are at work.daily life
- 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.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It has a bearing to the outcome.
✓ It has a bearing on the outcome.
It's 'a bearing ON something', not 'to'.
Common collocations
have a bearing on— on, direct, no, little
Don't confuse it
Compared to 'relate to', 'have a bearing on' is stronger and suggests actual influence, not just a connection.