an intolerable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intolerable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a circumstance that is unbearable or unacceptable. Example: "The ongoing conflict in the region has created an intolerable situation for the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an intolerable situation.

The New York Times

That is an intolerable situation.

The New York Times - Sports

The papacy found itself faced with an intolerable situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She said it made "an intolerable situation tolerable".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"To attack other people because of their color, it's an intolerable situation," the judge said.

The New York Times

Sometimes running away can be a healthy response to an intolerable situation.

The New York Times

"I smoked the odd joint … it made an intolerable situation tolerable," she said.

The Guardian

Why should a popular artist have any obligation to propose "sane" solutions to an intolerable situation?

The New Yorker

He was put in an intolerable situation and, as many would, found himself unable to cope.

The Guardian - Books

"It's an intolerable situation... what we are seeing is chemical warfare and it has to stop".

The Guardian

This is an intolerable situation; a main aim of Michelle Bachelet's tax reform is to redress it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; in formal contexts, it conveys strong disapproval, while in informal settings, it can highlight personal distress.

Common error

Avoid using "an intolerable situation" to describe minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for genuinely serious or unbearable circumstances to maintain its gravity and prevent diminishing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intolerable situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It identifies and labels a specific set of circumstances that are deemed unbearable or unacceptable, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intolerable situation" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe circumstances that are unbearable or unacceptable. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates its frequent use in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts. While the phrase is appropriate for a range of registers, it's crucial to reserve it for situations of genuine severity to maintain its impact. Consider using alternatives like "an impossible situation" or "an unacceptable situation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's communicative purpose is to express strong disapproval and encourage action to address the situation. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impossible situation

Replaces 'intolerable' with 'impossible', suggesting the situation cannot be endured or resolved.

an unacceptable situation

Substitutes 'intolerable' with 'unacceptable', focusing on the situation not meeting standards of approval.

an unbearable circumstance

Uses 'unbearable' and 'circumstance' for a slightly more emotional or descriptive tone.

an unendurable predicament

Employs stronger, more formal vocabulary ('unendurable', 'predicament') to describe the situation.

an unsustainable state of affairs

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and abstract expression, emphasizing the lack of long-term viability.

a truly awful predicament

Replaces the phrase with a common alternative. Changes "situation" for "predicament".

a completely unacceptable state

Emphasizes unacceptability and replace "situation" for "state".

a thoroughly unacceptable position

Emphasizes unacceptability and replace "situation" for "position".

a thoroughly objectionable reality

Emphasizes unacceptability and replace "situation" for "reality".

a profoundly objectionable scenario

Emphasizes unacceptability and replace "situation" for "scenario".

FAQs

How can I use "an intolerable situation" in a sentence?

You can use "an intolerable situation" to describe circumstances that are unbearable or unacceptable. For example, "The lack of access to clean water created "an intolerable situation" for the villagers."

What are some alternatives to "an intolerable situation"?

You can use alternatives like "an impossible situation", "an unacceptable situation", or "an unbearable circumstance" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an intolerable situation"?

It's appropriate to use "an intolerable situation" when describing a circumstance that is extremely difficult to bear or accept, often due to ethical, practical, or emotional reasons. Reserve it for situations that cause significant distress or hardship.

What makes a situation qualify as "intolerable"?

A situation qualifies as "intolerable" when it surpasses the threshold of what is acceptable or bearable, typically involving a violation of rights, severe suffering, or unsustainable conditions. The consequences of the situation are often significant and demand immediate attention or resolution.