been intolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been intolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that has become unbearable or unacceptable over a period of time. Example: "The noise from the construction site has been intolerable, making it difficult for me to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The human consequences of the shortfall in humanitarian and medical aid have already been intolerable.

Independent

In other cities, especially well-visited ones in the region this has been intolerable.

The Guardian - Travel

Crime in the District of Columbia has been intolerable, and inching upward, for many months, they contend.

The New York Times

"The judges must have judged that the consequences of closure would have been intolerable for the country," Mr. Ozel said.

The New York Times

The amount of technical information downloaded in an Ashley performance might have been intolerable had it not been for the communicative phenomenon that was Ashley herself.

The New Yorker

He writes, "My grief has not been hysterical, scarcely visible to others (perhaps because the notion of 'theatricalizing' my mother's death would have been intolerable)." "Mourning Diary" is a work of vigorous ego, as perhaps all good books are.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Intolerance is intolerable.

Huffington Post

"That is intolerable".

The New York Times

It was intolerable.

The New York Times

"It is intolerable".

The New Yorker

That would be intolerable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been intolerable", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific situation or behavior is causing the intolerable feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "been intolerable" when referring to a sudden, isolated event. The phrase implies a duration of increasing difficulty or annoyance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been intolerable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject and indicating a state of being that is unbearable or unacceptable. Ludwig provides examples where it describes conditions, behaviors, or situations that have escalated to an insufferable level.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been intolerable" is used to describe something that has become unbearable over time. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tense and ensure that the context clearly reflects a condition that has progressively worsened. Alternatives such as "been unbearable" or "become unbearable" can provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been unbearable

Replaces "intolerable" with a synonym emphasizing the inability to bear the situation.

has become unbearable

Changes the tense to emphasize the process of becoming intolerable.

has been unacceptable

Replaces "intolerable" with a term focusing on the lack of acceptability.

has proven unbearable

Emphasizes the demonstration of being unbearable over time.

has been too much to bear

Expresses the feeling of exceeding one's capacity to endure.

has reached a breaking point

Indicates that the situation has become so intolerable that it's about to collapse.

has strained all patience

Highlights the depletion of patience due to the intolerable situation.

has been the last straw

Implies that the situation has exceeded the limit of what can be endured, precipitating a reaction.

has overstayed its welcome

Indicates that the situation has become unwelcome and excessively prolonged.

has been beyond endurance

Highlights that the situation has passed what could have been tolerated.

FAQs

How can I use "been intolerable" in a sentence?

You can use "been intolerable" to describe a situation that has become unbearable over time. For example, "The constant noise has "been intolerable", making it difficult to concentrate".

What are some alternatives to "been intolerable"?

Alternatives include "been unbearable", "been unacceptable", or "become unbearable", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was intolerable" instead of "been intolerable"?

While "was intolerable" can be correct, it typically refers to a specific point in time. "Been intolerable" implies a condition that has persisted and worsened over a period.

What's the difference between "intolerable" and "unbearable"?

"Intolerable" suggests that something cannot be allowed or endured, while "unbearable" emphasizes the emotional or physical difficulty in enduring something. Both can often be used interchangeably, but "unbearable" is often stronger in emotional weight than "intolerable".