cannot tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot tolerate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express someone's inability to put up with or endure something. Example: I cannot tolerate disrespect in the workplace. (meaning: I am unable to accept or endure disrespectful behavior in my workplace.).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They cannot tolerate criticism.

The New Yorker

I cannot tolerate this.

Independent

"Children cannot tolerate much".

The New York Times

He just cannot tolerate chickpeas.

The New York Times

"We cannot tolerate such behavior.

The New York Times

The zombie cannot tolerate life.

The Guardian - Books

"The man cannot tolerate debate.

The New York Times

We cannot tolerate this anymore".

The Guardian

"We cannot tolerate gay propaganda".

The Guardian

He cannot tolerate personal criticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people cannot tolerate certain medications.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing "cannot tolerate". It can sound strong, so ensure it's appropriate for the situation.

Common error

While "cannot tolerate" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or harsh in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "can't stand" or "won't put up with" to better match the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot tolerate" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong inability or unwillingness to accept or endure something. It's commonly used to state a limit or boundary of what one can handle, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot tolerate" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey a strong inability or unwillingness to accept something. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to express someone's inability to put up with or endure something. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, with a neutral to formal register. While "cannot tolerate" is widely accepted, remember to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase, as it can sometimes sound overly formal or harsh. Alternatives like "unable to endure" or "cannot accept" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to endure

Focuses on the lack of ability to withstand something.

cannot accept

Highlights a refusal to agree with or approve of something.

consider intolerable

Emphasizes the severity and unacceptability of something.

will not permit

Emphasizes a firm decision to disallow something.

cannot stand

An informal way of expressing strong dislike and intolerance.

find unacceptable

Indicates that something does not meet the required standards.

find insufferable

Highlights how hard to bear or deal with someone/something is.

refuse to condone

Highlights a moral objection and unwillingness to excuse behavior.

deem inadmissible

Suggests a formal rejection or disqualification.

reject outright

Expresses a complete and immediate refusal.

FAQs

What does "cannot tolerate" mean?

The phrase "cannot tolerate" means to be unable to accept or endure something. It expresses a strong feeling of dislike or aversion.

How can I use "cannot tolerate" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot tolerate" to express your inability to accept or endure something, such as "I "cannot tolerate disrespect" in the workplace".

What are some alternatives to "cannot tolerate"?

Alternatives to "cannot tolerate" include "unable to endure", "cannot accept", or "cannot stand".

When is it appropriate to use "cannot tolerate"?

Use "cannot tolerate" when you want to strongly express your inability to accept or endure something. It's suitable for formal and serious contexts, but may sound too strong in casual conversation where alternatives like "can't stand" might be better.