Cannot be tolerated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cannot be tolerated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a certain behavior or action is unacceptable and will not be accepted in any circumstances. Example: "Discrimination in the workplace cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It cannot be tolerated.

The New Yorker

It cannot be tolerated'.

The Guardian

"Hate speech cannot be tolerated.

The Washington Post

No, this cannot be tolerated.

The Guardian - Books

But long delays cannot be tolerated.

The New York Times

This cannot be tolerated," said Liu.

The Guardian

Forgery cannot be tolerated, Stolle said.

The Washington Post

This cannot be tolerated and must stop".

The Guardian

This sort of behaviour is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "This kind of attack cannot be tolerated.

The Guardian

"They disrupt entire communities and cannot be tolerated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be tolerated" to clearly and firmly express that a behavior, action, or situation is unacceptable and will not be allowed to continue. Ensure the context supports such a strong stance.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be tolerated" in overly casual or informal situations where a less forceful expression would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your communication sound overly aggressive or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be tolerated" functions as a declarative expression, communicating a firm prohibition or strong disapproval. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts where certain behaviors or actions are deemed unacceptable and must be prevented. It often serves as a statement of policy or principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be tolerated" is a powerful expression used to convey that something is entirely unacceptable and must be stopped. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in diverse contexts, particularly within news, academic, and scientific domains. While it effectively communicates a strong stance, it's important to be mindful of the level of formality required by the situation and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "is unacceptable" or "must be stopped" can provide a similar message with varying degrees of intensity. This phrase is prevalent across authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC, highlighting its widespread and accepted use in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unacceptable

This alternative is a more direct and general way to express that something is not acceptable.

will not be accepted

This alternative emphasizes that something will not be approved or received favorably.

is not allowed

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way to express that something is prohibited.

must be stopped

This alternative emphasizes the need to cease or prevent something from continuing.

is inadmissible

This alternative suggests that something is not allowed or permitted, especially in formal contexts.

should not be permitted

This alternative suggests something ought not to be allowed.

is impermissible

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way to say that something is not permissible or allowed.

is not an option

This alternative emphasizes that something is not a viable or acceptable choice.

is out of the question

This alternative indicates that something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

is beyond the pale

This alternative suggests that something is completely unacceptable or offensive.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be tolerated" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be tolerated" to express strong disapproval of something. For example, "Discrimination in the workplace "cannot be tolerated" under any circumstances."

What can I say instead of "cannot be tolerated"?

You can use alternatives like "is unacceptable", "will not be accepted", or "must be stopped" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot be tolerated" or "can't be tolerated"?

"Cannot be tolerated" and "can't be tolerated" are both grammatically correct, with the latter being a contraction and slightly more informal. The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.

What's the difference between "cannot be tolerated" and "should not be tolerated"?

"Cannot be tolerated" expresses a stronger, more definitive stance that something is absolutely unacceptable. "Should not be tolerated" suggests that something is undesirable and ought to be prevented, but may not carry the same level of absolute prohibition.