circumstances are intolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumstances are intolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is unbearable or unacceptable, often in a serious or formal context. Example: "After months of dealing with the ongoing issues, we have come to the conclusion that the circumstances are intolerable and action must be taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To Mr. Kardish, of MoMA, Mr. Paskaljevic "has a subtle understanding of psychological conditions, and how society affects the individual, and how the individual adapts when the circumstances are intolerable".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seemed a natural progression to try to understand why our society is so inequitable to gender". She went on to obtain her PhD in social psychology, trying to understand why women make the choices they do and sometimes suffer as a result, often adjusting to circumstances that are intolerable.

Stanford University

Their lives are intolerable.

The Guardian

The demands on modern players are intolerable.

The New York Times - Sports

Loofahs are intolerable.

Vice

Our times are intolerable.

Huffington Post

Your in-laws are intolerable.

Huffington Post

In their thousands, refugees and other distress migrants fleeing intolerable life circumstances are heading to Libya, a violent and failing state ruled by warring gangs, and thence across the perilous central Mediterranean route to Southern Italy.

Harvard University

Intolerance is intolerable.

Huffington Post

Announcing the act, Tredgold by now Minister of Native Affairs as well as Defence and Justice commented that its "principle ... would be intolerable under ordinary circumstances", but that the war made it necessary.

Wikipedia

"We all share the feeling that it's intolerable that one of our colleagues has lost his life in such tragic and unjust circumstances," Sodexo Chief Executive Michel Landel said in an email shared by the paper on its Twitter account.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumstances are intolerable", ensure that the context clearly explains what specific aspects of the situation are creating the unbearable conditions. Providing concrete examples enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "circumstances are intolerable" in casual conversation. This phrase is generally more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions where a strong statement is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumstances are intolerable" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that a particular set of conditions has reached a point of being unbearable or unacceptable. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, frequently found in news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "circumstances are intolerable" is a grammatically correct and impactful way to express that a situation has become unbearable or unacceptable. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the specific aspects that make the situation unbearable for maximum impact. While effective in professional and serious contexts, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "the situation is unbearable" or "the conditions are unacceptable" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is unbearable

Replaces "circumstances" with "situation" and "intolerable" with "unbearable", focusing on the emotional impact.

the conditions are unacceptable

Replaces "circumstances" with "conditions" and "intolerable" with "unacceptable", emphasizing a lack of agreement or approval.

the state of affairs is unsustainable

Shifts the focus to the long-term implications of the circumstances, suggesting they cannot continue.

the environment is untenable

Focuses on the overall environment or situation as being impossible to maintain or defend.

the current reality is unendurable

Emphasizes the difficulty of enduring or tolerating the current reality.

things have reached a breaking point

Implies a critical moment where the circumstances can no longer be tolerated.

the pressure is overwhelming

Highlights the intense pressure caused by the circumstances.

the situation is simply too much to bear

Expresses the emotional strain and difficulty in coping with the circumstances.

the environment is hostile

Focuses on the negative and antagonistic nature of the environment.

the atmosphere is suffocating

Emphasizes the feeling of being trapped or restricted by the circumstances.

FAQs

What does "circumstances are intolerable" mean?

The phrase "circumstances are intolerable" describes a situation where the conditions have become unbearable or unacceptable, often implying a need for change or action.

How can I use "circumstances are intolerable" in a sentence?

You can use "circumstances are intolerable" to express that a situation has become too difficult or unpleasant to endure. For example: "After months of neglect, the living circumstances are intolerable."

What are some alternatives to saying "circumstances are intolerable"?

You can use alternatives such as "the situation is unbearable", "the conditions are unacceptable", or "the state of affairs is unsustainable" depending on the specific context.

In what kind of writing is it appropriate to use the phrase "circumstances are intolerable"?

The phrase "circumstances are intolerable" is best suited for formal writing, professional reports, or serious discussions where a strong and impactful statement about unacceptable conditions is required.