Understanding the situation is key to explaining how something 'bears on' another.

Context Importance

The effect or relevance is not always obvious and may require explanation.

Not Always Visible

The phrase doesn't imply if the effect is positive or negative, just that it exists.

When ‘bearing on’, the person is intensely applying effort or attention.

It can imply pressure to direct one's effort towards an immediate problem or task.

Used to link the discussion topic closely to academic subjects or debates.

Highlights a direct, often intricate link to the subject at hand.

'Bear on' is not interchangeable with 'relate to' in every context.