cannot bear to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot bear to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong emotional reaction to witnessing something distressing or unpleasant. Example: "I cannot bear to see the suffering of innocent animals in the shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

We cannot bear to see these collapsed buildings any longer.

The New York Times

We cannot bear to see our leader humiliated".

The New York Times

She is, however, so intense about the eggs that she cannot bear to see them eaten.

The New Yorker

Others cannot bear to see Lin leave, no matter the cost.

The New York Times - Sports

The man who cannot bear to see other people suffering doesn't seem so bothered about his own.

The Guardian

He is still alive when they catch him and the wife cannot bear to see him killed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Somewhere at the state prosecutor's headquarters are the gruesome photographs of what he would have seen; he cannot bear to look.

The New York Times

Ms. Callahan, who works for the Carter Center and lived in Africa for eight years, has seen true hunger and cannot bear to watch food rot.

The New York Times

"Most people, when they see this ceremony, think it is gross and they cannot bear to watch," Mr. Zhang said.

The New York Times - Arts

Hearts striker Genero Zeefuik says he cannot bear to watch Hibernian v Rangers at Easter Road this afternoon - a game that will see Hearts win the Championship title should Hibs fail to win.

BBC

She cannot bear to watch for long.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot bear to see" to convey a strong emotional reaction to witnessing something unpleasant or distressing. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize your aversion or inability to tolerate the sight of something.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot bear to see" in situations that don't warrant strong emotion. Opt for more neutral phrases like "dislike seeing" or "prefer not to see" when the context is less intense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot bear to see" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong emotional aversion or inability to tolerate witnessing something. Ludwig examples highlight usage across various contexts, confirming its role in conveying deep discomfort or distress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot bear to see" is a verb phrase used to express a strong emotional aversion or inability to tolerate witnessing something. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts, as demonstrated by the examples extracted from reliable sources. While generally neutral in formality, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives like "cannot stand to watch" or "cannot tolerate seeing" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in contexts that don't warrant such strong emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot stand to watch

This alternative suggests a strong dislike or aversion to watching something.

cannot tolerate seeing

This implies an inability to endure the sight of something, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

cannot stomach watching

This phrase indicates a feeling of disgust or revulsion when watching something.

cannot bring myself to see

This suggests an internal struggle or emotional barrier preventing someone from watching something.

find it unbearable to watch

This emphasizes the extreme discomfort or distress caused by watching something.

am loath to witness

A more formal way of expressing reluctance to see something.

shrink from the sight of

This implies a recoiling or avoidance of something visually unpleasant.

cannot face seeing

This phrase indicates an emotional inability to confront or deal with seeing something.

refuse to watch

This suggests a deliberate decision to avoid watching something, often due to strong disapproval.

cannot abide seeing

Indicates a strong feeling of disapproval or intolerance towards seeing something.

FAQs

How to use "cannot bear to see" in a sentence?

Use "cannot bear to see" to express a strong aversion to witnessing something. For example, "I cannot bear to see animals suffer" shows a strong emotional reaction to animal suffering.

What can I say instead of "cannot bear to see"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot stand to watch", "cannot tolerate seeing", or "cannot stomach watching" depending on the context and the intensity of emotion you want to convey.

Is "cannot bear to see" formal or informal?

"Cannot bear to see" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for both spoken and written English, but avoid overuse in extremely formal or academic contexts. Consider the audience and purpose when choosing your words.

What's the difference between "cannot bear to see" and "don't like to see"?

"Cannot bear to see" expresses a much stronger emotional reaction than "don't like to see". The former indicates an inability to tolerate something, while the latter simply expresses a preference. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity of your feelings.