I cannot condone it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot condone it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disapproval or refusal to accept a particular action or behavior. Example: "While I understand the reasons behind the decision, I cannot condone it as it goes against our values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And although I can understand this to a degree, I cannot condone it.

Huffington Post

The skirt, though, is all lampshade all the time and I cannot condone it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

It is our business because we would never want this merciless sentence for our own child--and therefore, we cannot condone it for anyone else's child.

Huffington Post

I cannot condone the PA's performance or its behavior -- and I have told them so.

Huffington Post

"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

"It would require me to believe in positions I don't hold on such issues as trade and immigration and it would require me to condone behavior that I cannot condone".

Huffington Post

The $12 disposable model contained lubricant and was a one-time use device, something I cannot condone considering carbon footprint of waxing the dolphin inside a plastic cup and then throwing it away.

TechCrunch

But I cannot condone the killing of an animal simply for purposes of adornment --whether its jewelery from ivory, or clothing from its skin.

Huffington Post

I cannot condone this behaviour.

Independent

I cannot condone the conduct of the police in holding the petitioner incommunicado, but of course we have no supervisory power over state courts.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I cannot condone it" in very casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it carries a degree of formality that might sound out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot condone it" functions as a performative utterance, expressing the speaker's strong disapproval or rejection of a specific action, behavior, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to explicitly state one's inability to accept something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot condone it" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval or rejection of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for expressing one's inability to accept or excuse a particular action or behavior. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds prominent use in news, academic, and professional settings, indicating its formality. When communicating similar sentiments, consider alternative phrases like "I cannot support it" or "I strongly disapprove of it" to tailor the tone to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I strongly disapprove of it

Emphasizes strong disapproval with a slightly more formal tone.

I cannot support it

Focuses on a lack of support, implying disagreement or disapproval.

I do not endorse it

Indicates a lack of official approval or support.

I find it unacceptable

Highlights the unacceptability of something, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

I cannot justify it

Focuses on the inability to find a valid reason or excuse for something.

I cannot defend it

Highlights the inability to provide a defense or justification for something.

I am against it

States a direct opposition to something.

I object to it

Expresses a formal objection or disagreement.

I'm opposed to it

Similar to "I am against it" but slightly more informal.

I'm not okay with it

Expresses discomfort or disagreement in a more casual way.

FAQs

What does "I cannot condone it" mean?

It means that you strongly disapprove of something and cannot accept or excuse it.

When is it appropriate to use "I cannot condone it"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to express formal disapproval, especially when something violates your principles or established rules.

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

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

Is "I cannot condone that" different from "I cannot condone it"?

No, they're semantically similar. "I cannot condone that" usually refers to a specific action or statement, while "I cannot condone it" refers to something previously mentioned or understood.