Reference > Usage > American Heritage® Book of English Usage > 3. Word Choice > § 51. born / borne
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The American Heritage® Book of English Usage.
A Practical and Authoritative Guide to Contemporary English.  1996.

3. Word Choice: New Uses, Common Confusion, and Constraints

§ 51. born / borne


These words are both past participles of bear. Here’s how to sort them out. Use born only in passive constructions referring to birth: I was born in Chicago. For all other uses, including active constructions referring to birth, use borne: She has borne both her children at home. I have borne his insolence with the patience of a saint.    1


The American Heritage® Book of English Usage. Copyright © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
 
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