can stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the ability to tolerate or endure something. Example: "I can stand the heat, but I prefer cooler weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can stand it.

The New Yorker

Anyone can stand.

The Economist

I can stand up straight.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can stand Janet now.

The New Yorker

Many tress can stand unshaded.

The New Yorker

I can stand the despair.

The New York Times - Arts

I can stand anything".

The New York Times

I can stand it.

The Washington Post

It can stand alone.

The New York Times

We can stand it if she can.

The New Yorker

"Nobody can stand up to his charm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can stand" to mean 'tolerate', ensure the context is clear. Consider if a more precise term like 'endure' or 'withstand' might be more appropriate for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can stand" in contexts where physical standing is implied if the intended meaning is tolerance. This can lead to ambiguity. For instance, saying "The table can stand the weight" might be misinterpreted as the table being able to physically stand, rather than its ability to support weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can stand" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating either the ability to tolerate or endure something, or the physical ability to remain upright. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across varied contexts. The examples show usage indicating physical capacity, tolerance of situations, or the ability to withstand pressure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can stand" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to denote tolerance, endurance, or physical ability to remain upright. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, it is essential to consider the context to avoid ambiguity, particularly between physical and metaphorical meanings. Alternatives like "can tolerate" or "can withstand" may offer greater precision in formal writing, but "can stand" remains a widely accepted and understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can endure

A more concise and slightly more formal way of expressing the ability to withstand something.

can bear

Expresses the ability to tolerate or support something, often with emotional or physical weight.

is able to tolerate

Replaces "can stand" with a more formal and explicit expression of ability to endure something.

can handle

A general term indicating the ability to manage or deal with something effectively.

can cope with

Suggests the ability to manage or deal with a difficult situation or problem.

is capable of enduring

Emphasizes the capacity to withstand or bear something, often implying a challenging situation.

is able to put up with

An informal alternative suggesting an ability to accept something unpleasant.

is strong enough to withstand

Highlights the strength required to resist or overcome something.

can stomach

An idiom suggesting the ability to accept something unpleasant or morally questionable.

is resilient enough to face

Focuses on the resilience needed to confront and handle a challenging situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "can stand" to express tolerance or the ability to endure something, as in "I can stand the heat" or to indicate the ability to physically stand, like "He can stand for long periods".

What can I say instead of "can stand" to mean tolerate?

You can use alternatives like "can tolerate", "can endure", or "can bear" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "can stand" to describe an object's ability to support weight?

Yes, it's acceptable, but consider using a more precise term like "can support" or "can withstand" to avoid ambiguity, especially in technical or formal writing.

What's the difference between "can stand" and "can withstand"?

"Can stand" is a more general term for enduring or tolerating something. "Can withstand" implies resisting or holding out against something, often a force or pressure. For example, "This building "can withstand" earthquakes" suggests a stronger resistance than simply saying "This building "can stand"".