can't stand

USAGE SUMMARY

'can't stand' is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use this phrase to express dislike or repulsion towards something. For example: I can't stand the noise of a drum set; it's too loud.

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can't stand commercials.

The New York Times - Tech

I can't stand nighttime.

The New York Times

Stan can't stand it.

The New Yorker

I can't stand politicians.

University of California, Berkeley

I can't stand this".

The New Yorker

I can't stand him.

The New Yorker

And I can't stand.

The New Yorker

She can't stand that".

The New Yorker

"I can't stand that".

The New York Times

Sheep can't stand ya.

The New York Times

I can't stand them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can't stand" when you want to express a high level of annoyance or dislike in an emotive way. It is particularly effective in opinion pieces, personal essays or character dialogue to show strong conviction.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in a context where it could be confused with a physical inability to remain upright. If you mean someone literally cannot stand on their feet, use the full verb with a qualifier like 'cannot stand up' or 'cannot remain standing' to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

This expression functions as an idiomatic verb phrase where the verb 'stand' loses its literal meaning of physical posture and instead denotes the act of enduring or tolerating. According to Ludwig AI, it acts as a transitive verb phrase that requires an object or a gerund to complete its meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "can't stand" is a powerful and highly functional idiomatic phrase in English used to express a profound dislike that borders on the unbearable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and exceptionally common in high-tier media outlets like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While it is technically a contraction and might be expanded to "cannot stand" in formal reports, its usage is virtually ubiquitous in subjective or critical writing. It is most frequently used to describe reactions to people, behaviors or sensory irritants. When using it, ensure that the context clearly distinguishes the figurative meaning of intolerance from the literal meaning of physical posture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot tolerate

Sounds more clinical or formal, often used in professional contexts.

detest

A single-word verb that is more concise and carries a punchier tone.

loathe

Suggests a deeper, more visceral sense of disgust.

cannot stomach

An idiomatic alternative that implies physical or emotional repulsion.

abhor

Extremely formal and often carries a sense of moral rejection.

find unbearable

Focuses on the speaker's inability to endure the situation rather than just dislike.

cannot abide

A slightly more old-fashioned or formal alternative often found in literature.

hate

The most basic and direct equivalent, though less idiomatic.

resent

Implies dislike specifically because of a perceived injustice or slight.

object to

Shifts the meaning slightly toward a formal disagreement or protest.

FAQs

How do I use "can't stand" in a sentence?

You can use it to follow a subject and precede a direct object or a gerund, such as in "I "can't stand" loud music" or "He "can't stand" waiting in line".

What can I say instead of "can't stand"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "cannot tolerate", "detest", or "find unbearable".

Is it better to use "can't stand" or "cannot stand"?

In formal writing, "cannot stand" is preferred to avoid contractions, though the idiomatic sense remains the same.

What is the difference between "can't stand" and "don't like"?

The phrase "can't stand" is much stronger than "don't like", implying that the thing in question is nearly impossible for the person to endure.