brook no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brook no" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone will not tolerate or allow something to happen. Example: "She will brook no disrespect from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Newton would brook no objections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brook no argument.

The Guardian - Sport

These people brook no nonsense.

The Guardian

He will brook no argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Najranis will brook no doubt about the story.

The New York Times

Numbers don't lie, and they brook no argument.

The New York Times - Books

It will brook no limits on its power.

The New York Times

A large man with thick red hair, he would brook no compromise.

The Economist

"I think I can explain — " began Roberto, but the man would brook no interruption.

The New Yorker

THE Internet is an anarchic place, and anarchists brook no leaders.

The Economist

He admires those leaders like North Korea's and Russia's who brook no dissent.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brook no" when you want to express a firm refusal to accept or tolerate something, particularly in contexts where authority or control is being asserted.

Common error

Avoid using "brook no" in overly casual settings. While grammatically correct, it carries a slightly formal or even archaic tone that might sound out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for more common alternatives like "won't allow" or "won't tolerate" for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brook no" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express a firm denial or refusal to accept something. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often describes an assertion of authority or unwillingness to compromise. It often sets an expectation for someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brook no" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a firm refusal to tolerate or accept something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, with a notable presence in news and media. While versatile, it is essential to consider the register, as "brook no" leans towards a more formal tone. When aiming for a less formal expression, alternatives like "tolerate no" or "allow no" may be more suitable. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively employ "brook no" to convey a strong sense of intolerance or unwillingness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerate no

Replaces "brook" with the more common synonym "tolerate".

permit no

Substitutes "brook" with "permit", emphasizing a lack of allowance.

allow no

Uses "allow" instead of "brook", indicating a refusal to let something happen.

accept no

Replaces "brook" with "accept", highlighting a rejection of something.

countenance no

Uses the more formal "countenance" in place of "brook".

endorse no

Indicates a lack of support or approval.

put up with no

Emphasizes an unwillingness to endure something.

stand for no

Highlights a refusal to tolerate a particular behavior or situation.

suffer no

Replaces "brook" with "suffer", suggesting an unwillingness to experience something negative.

bear no

Similar to "suffer no", but with a slightly different connotation of enduring something.

FAQs

What does "brook no" mean?

The phrase "brook no" means to not tolerate, allow, or put up with something. It implies a firm refusal to accept something, often suggesting an assertion of authority or control.

How can I use "brook no" in a sentence?

You can use "brook no" to indicate that someone or something will not tolerate a particular action, behavior, or condition. For example: "The manager would "tolerate no" tardiness from his employees."

What are some alternatives to "brook no"?

Alternatives to "brook no" include "tolerate no", "allow no", "permit no", and "accept no". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "brook no" a formal or informal expression?

"Brook no" is considered a somewhat formal or archaic expression. While grammatically correct, it might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversations. In informal settings, alternatives like "won't tolerate" or "won't allow" are often preferred.