can hardly stand

USAGE SUMMARY

'can hardly stand' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is difficult or unpleasant to endure due to its intensity. For example, you could say: "The noise was so loud I could hardly stand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Society

Arts

Sport

Lifestyle

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I can hardly stand the suspense.

The Guardian

(I can hardly stand to listen to these tracks now).

The New Yorker

As one of the world's biggest aid donors, the EU can hardly stand aloof from Africa.

The Economist

It was terrible and I can hardly stand to see my own films on television anymore.

The Guardian - Film

I can hardly stand up for "Brothers & Sisters" on the same shaky cement.

The New York Times - Arts

This old fucker can hardly stand, and here he is writing a novel".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

You can hardly bear it.

The New Yorker

"[Politicians] can hardly even stand thinking about implementing the plan of the opposition," Dudley said.

HuffPost

And the political polarization that has marked the country since the 1970s continues today, Dudley says.  . "[Politicians] can hardly even stand thinking about implementing the plan of the opposition," Dudley said.

Huffington Post

I could hardly stand.

The New Yorker

"Poor Naima could hardly stand," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can hardly stand" to express strong dislike or inability to tolerate something, whether it's a physical sensation, an emotional state, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "can hardly stand" when a milder expression of dislike or discomfort is more appropriate. This phrase conveys a strong sentiment, so ensure it matches the intensity of the situation you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can hardly stand" functions as a predicate expressing a strong inability or unwillingness to tolerate something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to denote aversion or difficulty in enduring a situation, person, or thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

10%

Film

5%

Less common in

Society

3%

Arts

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can hardly stand" is a common phrase used to express a strong feeling of dislike or intolerance. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, although it's important to match the intensity of the phrase with the situation. To express similar sentiments, you could consider alternatives like "can barely tolerate" or "cannot easily bear". Keep in mind its predominant use in news and media, with its neutral formality. Remember to use this phrase when you want to underscore your aversion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can barely tolerate

Indicates a slightly lower threshold of endurance compared to "can hardly stand".

can scarcely endure

Emphasizes the difficulty in enduring something, similar to "can hardly stand" but with a more formal tone.

can barely stomach

Focuses on finding something extremely distasteful or unpleasant, making it difficult to accept.

cannot easily bear

Highlights the inability to comfortably withstand something, conveying a sense of strain.

cannot readily abide

Implies a strong aversion to something, making it difficult to tolerate or accept.

find it difficult to tolerate

Expresses the struggle to accept or endure something, emphasizing the personal challenge.

have trouble putting up with

Suggests an ongoing effort to endure something unpleasant, indicating a lack of enjoyment.

struggle to put up with

Emphasizes the effort required to tolerate something, indicating a significant challenge.

have a hard time enduring

Focuses on the difficulty in enduring something over a period of time.

are challenged to withstand

Highlights the difficulty in resisting or enduring something, portraying it as a test of resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "can hardly stand" in a sentence?

You can use "can hardly stand" to express that you strongly dislike or cannot tolerate something. For example, "I "can hardly stand" the suspense" or "She "can hardly stand" Oklahoma".

What are some alternatives to "can hardly stand"?

Alternatives include "can barely tolerate", "cannot easily bear", or "struggle to put up with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can hardly stand it" different from "can hardly stand"?

"Can hardly stand it" usually implies that the object of your dislike is understood or has been previously mentioned. "Can hardly stand" may be followed by the object of dislike directly (e.g. "She "can hardly stand" Oklahoma").

When is it appropriate to use "can hardly stand" instead of a milder phrase?

Use "can hardly stand" when you want to emphasize a strong feeling of dislike or intolerance. If your sentiment is less intense, consider using alternatives like "find it difficult to tolerate" or "have trouble putting up with".