can we tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we tolerate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limits of acceptance or endurance regarding a situation, behavior, or condition. Example: "In our community, we must ask ourselves: can we tolerate such behavior without consequences?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Can we tolerate the intolerant?

Columbia University

And if so, how much more can we tolerate?

The New York Times

"How can we tolerate this?" said Salman Abdullah Al-Hamad, an Arab tribal leader in Kirkuk.

The New York Times

How can we tolerate an industry, we ask, that glamorizes poison?

The New Yorker

"We cannot afford nor can we tolerate more cuts of this magnitude," the editorial read.

The New York Times

How can we tolerate a Senate rule that allows a minority to trump the majority?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

How much risk can we can tolerate?

The New York Times

Can we likewise tolerate the rising currency of the "sport utility truck," or S.U.T., neologism, or should we opt for the descriptive but indefensibly clumsy "four-door light-duty pickup" or "truck-sedan"?

The New York Times

And on the other hand (no pun intended!), if we only allow ourselves to be provoked with advance permission, is that provocation at all? Can we only tolerate art when we've invited it?

HuffPost

Ex drama isn't something we can tolerate, otherwise we'd lose our friend groups.

Vice

Then we can make informed decisions about what we support, what we revile and what we can tolerate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we tolerate", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "can we tolerate" when you actually mean to express full acceptance or approval. 'Tolerate' implies allowing something despite disagreeing with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we tolerate" functions as an interrogative clause used to question the permissibility or acceptability of a given situation, behavior, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed in discussions about ethical boundaries and tolerance limits. Examples from Ludwig include questions about tolerating the intolerant or an unlimited buildup of an exploited population.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we tolerate" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned interrogative used to probe the boundaries of acceptance and endurance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, particularly within discussions concerning social, ethical, and political matters. Its moderate frequency suggests that while not ubiquitous, it holds a relevant position in contemporary discourse. Be mindful to distinguish 'tolerating' from 'accepting' and ensure clarity in your phrasing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we able to accept

Focuses on the ability to accept something, rather than the willingness to tolerate it.

should we permit

Emphasizes the act of formally allowing something to happen.

are we willing to allow

Highlights the willingness to permit something to occur.

can we endure

Highlights the capacity to withstand or bear something difficult or unpleasant.

is this acceptable to us

Directly questions the acceptability of a situation or behavior.

what are our limits

Explores the boundaries of what is acceptable or bearable.

how much can we bear

Focuses on the emotional or psychological capacity to handle a situation.

what will we put up with

Implies a reluctant acceptance of something undesirable.

what is the threshold for

Asks about the level at which something becomes unacceptable.

how long will we stand for this

Expresses frustration and a desire for change regarding an ongoing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "can we tolerate" in a sentence?

Use "can we tolerate" to question the limits of our acceptance or endurance of something. For example, "How much longer "can we tolerate" soulless progress?"

What's the difference between "can we tolerate" and "can we accept"?

"Can we tolerate" suggests allowing something despite disagreeing with it, while "can we accept" implies a more willing embrace or approval.

What are some alternatives to "can we tolerate"?

Alternatives include "are we able to accept", "should we permit", or "can we endure", each with slightly different connotations.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "can we tolerate"?

It is suitable in discussions about ethical boundaries, social norms, or personal endurance limits. For example, asking ""can we tolerate" the intolerant?" in a debate about free speech.