cannot endure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot endure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an inability to tolerate or bear something, often in emotional or physical contexts. Example: "I cannot endure the thought of losing my best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We cannot endure it.

The Guardian

I cannot endure such pain".

The Guardian

Japan cannot endure such pressure".Still, there is some shift.

The Economist

"Turkey cannot endure it in silence," Mr. Celik said.

The New York Times

After Matthew, Haiti simply cannot endure any more broken promises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The medieval game of thrones that is the absolutist Saudi system cannot endure.

The Guardian

And yet, as you know, I am persuaded that the status quo cannot endure.

Independent

"Al Qaeda's global movement cannot endure without an iron-fisted traffic cop".

The New York Times

A currency union cannot endure if countries pursue very different economic, regulatory and fiscal policies.

The New York Times

Smaller mammals, such as rodents, cannot endure dehydration and hence possess no eccrine glands at all.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I believe the government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot endure" to express a strong feeling of being unable to tolerate something, whether physically or emotionally. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "cannot endure" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in extremely casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "can't stand" or "can't take it" may be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot endure" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong inability or unwillingness to tolerate something. Ludwig AI shows it is used to convey both physical and emotional limits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot endure" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong inability to tolerate something, whether physically or emotionally. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific literature. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it leans towards a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "cannot tolerate" and "cannot bear", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, remember that overuse in extremely casual contexts might sound unnatural; consider simpler alternatives in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot tolerate

Emphasizes a lack of tolerance, whether physical or emotional, and indicates a lower level of distress compared to "cannot endure".

cannot bear

Focuses on an emotional inability to accept something, suggesting a feeling of distress or sorrow.

cannot withstand

Highlights an inability to resist or oppose something, often implying a more forceful or external pressure.

cannot stomach

Emphasizes a strong dislike or disgust, making it unacceptable on a personal level.

cannot put up with

Suggests a refusal to accept something that is annoying or unpleasant, often implying a limit has been reached.

cannot hack it

Informal expression indicating an inability to cope with or manage a situation or task.

cannot face

Focuses on the emotional difficulty of confronting a situation or person, rather than an inability to tolerate it.

cannot countenance

Implies a formal or official disapproval and an unwillingness to allow something to happen.

cannot support

Highlights the absence of capacity to provide assistance or approval.

cannot sit through

Indicates an inability to remain present or engaged during an experience, suggesting boredom or discomfort.

FAQs

What does "cannot endure" mean?

The phrase "cannot endure" means to be unable to tolerate or withstand something. It suggests a strong feeling of discomfort or inability to cope with a situation, feeling, or condition.

What can I say instead of "cannot endure"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot tolerate", "cannot bear", or "cannot stand" depending on the context.

Is "cannot endure" formal or informal?

"Cannot endure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a slightly stronger emotional weight compared to more casual alternatives.

How to use "cannot endure" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot endure" in sentences like: "I cannot endure the constant noise from the construction site," or "She cannot endure the thought of being alone."