I cannot condone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot condone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disapproval or refusal to accept certain actions or behaviors. Example: "As a teacher, I cannot condone cheating in my classroom, as it undermines the integrity of education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I cannot condone this behaviour.

Independent

"Of course, I cannot condone such an environmentally unethical practice," he says, "but it was a useful skill to master".

The New York Times - Books

"As the father of two daughters, I cannot condone or defend Mr. Trump's behavior," the Russian leader said in a curt official statement.

The New Yorker

While I applaud James Lilley's sensitivity toward the Asian-American community, I cannot condone his calls for "timely investigative use of wiretaps, computer access, independent surveillance and informers" as a means of deterring Chinese intelligence efforts (Op-Ed, Sept. 12).

The New York Times

Even Mann, whose words featured prominently in early soundbites published from the emails, began an op-ed in the Washington Post with the words: "I cannot condone some things that colleagues of mine wrote".

The Guardian

I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The NFL cannot be seen to support its players extorting money from one another, just as it cannot condone the casual use of racial slurs.

The Guardian - Sport

Last week, Judge Brian Barker, commons sergeant of London, told Norton, "I am totally convinced you are a thoughtful, kind and honest man and had been a devoted husband … Society may understand this act but it cannot condone it".

The Guardian - Opinion

While I certainly cannot condone Google's actions, I am a little puzzled by the reaction.

Forbes

So while I can defend a Fox reporter on principle against the Department of Justice, I certainly cannot condone any of their statements or actions in general.

Huffington Post

"I really cannot condone so much of Steve's behaviour on and off the track," carped Mr Coe after his rival waved to the crowd while winning a race.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot condone" to express strong disapproval of actions or behaviors you find morally or ethically wrong. This phrase is effective in formal and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot condone" for minor inconveniences or personal preferences. It is best reserved for situations involving ethical, moral, or professional misconduct.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I cannot condone" is to serve as a declarative statement expressing strong disapproval or rejection of a particular action, behavior, or situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for conveying a firm stance. Examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I cannot condone" serves as a powerful expression of disapproval, deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to convey a firm stance against actions or behaviors considered morally or ethically wrong. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for serious situations, avoiding overuse in trivial matters. Alternatives such as "I disapprove of", "I do not endorse", and "I cannot support" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I disapprove of

Directly expresses disapproval, differing in formality.

I do not endorse

Implies a lack of support, slightly more formal.

I cannot support

Indicates a refusal to back or promote something.

I object to

Formally expresses disagreement or opposition.

I find unacceptable

Highlights that something is not tolerable.

I reject

Strongly refuses to accept something.

I am against

Expresses opposition, slightly less formal.

I cannot excuse

Indicates an inability to forgive or justify something.

I am opposed to

More formal way to declare opposition.

I take exception to

Expresses disagreement with a specific aspect.

FAQs

How to use "I cannot condone" in a sentence?

Use "I cannot condone" to express strong disapproval or disagreement with an action or behavior. For example, "I cannot condone the act of cheating on exams".

What can I say instead of "I cannot condone"?

You can use alternatives like "I disapprove of", "I do not endorse", or "I cannot support" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I cannot condone" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "I cannot condone" is more suited for formal settings. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "I don't agree with" or "I disapprove of".

What's the difference between "I cannot condone" and "I cannot accept"?

"I cannot condone" specifically implies a moral or ethical objection, while "I cannot accept" can refer to a broader range of objections, including practical or logistical ones.