can barely tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can barely tolerate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a very low level of tolerance or patience for something or someone. Example: "I can barely tolerate the noise from the construction site next door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It can barely tolerate a hot mug of coffee.

The New Yorker

Cheaper-to-run automobiles will mean more cars on highways and roads that can barely tolerate the present numbers.

The New York Times

"Don Tyson and Bill Clinton are both my very personal friends, and they can barely tolerate one another".

The New York Times

This is the diktat of a bankers' ramp that can barely tolerate even a facade of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

One is a boombox from which the boy blasts metal rock that Fernando can barely tolerate; the other is a television.

The New York Times

Betty Draper, Don's beautiful but joyless wife, spends her time caring for children she can barely tolerate and considering an affair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Whichever, he can barely stand.

The New York Times

"He can barely stand".

The New York Times

I can barely stand here right now".

Los Angeles Times

Perhaps Adam Scott and Ken Marino can barely stand each other.

Los Angeles Times

Better the devil you can barely tolerate, as it were.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can barely tolerate" to express a low level of patience or acceptance, typically for situations, behaviors, or beliefs rather than tangible objects. For example, "I can barely tolerate the constant interruptions during meetings".

Common error

Avoid using "can barely tolerate" to describe physical sensations or environments where "can barely stand" or "can barely endure" might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I can barely tolerate the heat", say "I can barely stand the heat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can barely tolerate" functions as a qualifier expressing a very low degree of acceptance or endurance. It modifies the object being tolerated, indicating the speaker or subject finds it difficult to accept it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can barely tolerate" is a useful expression for conveying a limited degree of acceptance or endurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media. While similar to phrases like "can hardly tolerate" or "can scarcely tolerate", it is important to use it accurately, avoiding its application to purely physical limitations where phrases like "can barely stand" would be more appropriate. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively communicate a nuanced sense of limited tolerance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can hardly tolerate

Expresses a similar sentiment of limited tolerance, but with a slight difference in emphasis; "hardly" suggests a bit more difficulty than "barely".

can scarcely tolerate

"Scarcely" is a more formal synonym for "barely", suggesting a minimal level of tolerance.

can barely stand

Shifts the focus from tolerance to endurance, implying something is almost unbearable.

can't tolerate

A stronger expression of intolerance, indicating a complete lack of acceptance.

find it hard to tolerate

A more descriptive way of expressing difficulty in tolerating something, focusing on the experience rather than the capacity.

can't put up with

An informal expression meaning to not be able to endure something.

have little patience for

Indicates a lack of patience rather than a lack of tolerance, but conveys a similar sentiment.

struggle to accept

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something, highlighting the internal conflict.

can't abide

An emphatic way of saying one dislikes something intensely and cannot tolerate it.

have a low threshold for

Indicates a quick trigger for intolerance or impatience, emphasizing sensitivity.

FAQs

How do I use "can barely tolerate" in a sentence?

Use "can barely tolerate" to indicate a very limited ability to accept or endure something. For example, "She "can barely tolerate" loud noises."

What can I say instead of "can barely tolerate"?

Alternatives include "can hardly tolerate", "can scarcely tolerate", or "can barely stand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can barely tolerate with"?

No, the correct usage is "can barely tolerate" without the "with". The phrase already implies a limit of acceptance, so adding "with" is redundant.

What's the difference between "can barely tolerate" and "can't tolerate"?

"Can barely tolerate" suggests a minimal level of acceptance, while "can't tolerate" indicates a complete lack of acceptance. "I "can barely tolerate" spicy food" means you can eat it a little, but not much. "I can't tolerate spicy food" means you can't eat it at all.