The Fact That (-는 바)
-는 바
Formal expression meaning 'the fact that / what one does,' used in formal writing and speech.
Pattern
Verb stem + -는 바
Explanation
-는 바 is a formal expression that nominalizes a clause, meaning 'the fact that' or 'what (one does).' It appears in formal writing, presentations, and official speech: 제가 아는 바로는 그렇습니다 (As far as I know, that is the case).
Common patterns include: -는 바와 같이 (as mentioned / as shown), 아는 바로는 (as far as one knows), -는 바에 의하면 (according to what). These are fixed expressions frequently seen in TOPIK reading passages.
Compared to -는 것, -는 바 is more formal and restricted in use. It doesn't appear in casual speech and is primarily a written/formal register marker.
Examples
제가 알고 있는 바로는 사실이 아닙니다.
Jega algo inneun baroeneun sasiri animnida.
As far as I know, that is not true.
앞서 말씀드린 바와 같이 진행하겠습니다.
Apseo malsseumdeurin bawa gachi jinhaenghagesseumnida.
We will proceed as previously mentioned.
조사한 바에 따르면 문제가 없습니다.
Josahan bae ttareumyeon munjega eopseumnida.
According to the investigation, there is no problem.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
제가 아는 바로 그렇습니다.
Correct
제가 아는 바로는 그렇습니다.
The full expression is -는 바로는 (with topic marker 는).
Wrong
내가 아는 바로는 그래.
Correct
제가 아는 바로는 그렇습니다.
-는 바 belongs in formal register. Use formal speech level with it.
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