condone something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "condone something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express approval or acceptance of behavior that is generally considered wrong or inappropriate. Example: "The school does not condone cheating in any form and has strict policies against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He added: "There's no way you can condone something like that.

The New York Times - Sports

But like Facebook's obsession with Holocaust denial, that doesn't mean Amazon has to condone something so clearly disgusting, and profit from it.

TechCrunch

If you're committed to expanding past your white-and-shiny bubble, online and in person, chances are quite high that you will say, do, ignore or tacitly condone something racist.

Huffington Post

If this is the factor preventing you from forgiving yourself, keep in mind that forgiveness is a process of mindfulness in which you continue to remember what happened and you do not condone something that was "wrong" as suddenly "right". in which you continue to remember what happened and you do not condone something that was "wrong" as suddenly "right".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The problem with quietly condoning something is that, well, it tends to be quiet.

Independent

It was a daunting legacy for Ricky Ponting, in addition to being Waugh's heir as No1 batsman, and here he condoned something that neither Waugh nor his predecessor Mark Taylor would have: he let a sleeping Test lie.

The Guardian - Sport

Coulter's words are a lot closer to condoning affairs, something that should never be done.

Huffington Post

"It is not something that I would condone, it is not something I had knowledge of, and it is not something I think that has a place in the way that we operate".

Independent

Any publication that could help terrorists is not something she could condone.

The Guardian

"If what they're doing is legal, I don't know what the town can do about that, but it's certainly not something I can condone".

The New York Times

The $12 disposable model contained lubricant and was a one-time use device, something I cannot condone considering carbon footprint of waxing the dolphin inside a plastic cup and then throwing it away.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "condone something", ensure that the context clearly indicates the disapproval of the action alongside the lack of intervention. This prevents misunderstanding, suggesting passive acceptance rather than active endorsement.

Common error

Avoid using "condone something" when you intend to convey explicit approval or endorsement. This phrase typically implies tolerance of something viewed negatively, so ensure your wording accurately reflects your intended message to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condone something" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express a lack of active disapproval or acceptance of an action that is generally considered wrong. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "condone something" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies a nuanced position of tolerating or accepting something generally considered wrong, without necessarily approving of it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media, as well as wiki contexts. The key is to ensure the context clarifies that you are not necessarily in approval, just not actively preventing the action. Alternatives include "tolerate something" or "overlook something", depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerate something

Implies allowing something to exist or happen without interference, though possibly without approval.

approve of something

Indicates a positive feeling or endorsement toward something.

overlook something

Focuses on ignoring or disregarding something, rather than explicitly approving it.

countenance something

Implies giving approval or support to something, often in a formal setting.

excuse something

Suggests finding a reason to justify something, often implying a minor offense.

sanction something

Suggests official approval or authorization of something.

permit something

Indicates formal allowance or authorization of something.

accept something

Emphasizes acknowledging or receiving something, possibly without explicit approval.

turn a blind eye to something

Suggests deliberately ignoring something, often something wrong or illegal.

look the other way

Suggests intentionally avoiding noticing something, similar to turning a blind eye.

FAQs

What does "condone something" mean?

The phrase "condone something" means to accept or allow something that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue. It implies tolerance without necessarily approving.

How can I use "condone something" in a sentence?

You can use "condone something" to express that you don't approve of certain behavior but are willing to tolerate it. For example, "I cannot "condone such behavior", even if I understand the reasons behind it."

What are some alternatives to "condone something"?

Alternatives to "condone something" include "tolerate something", "overlook something", or "excuse something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "tolerate something" or "condone something"?

While both "tolerate something" and "condone something" imply acceptance, "condone something" often carries a stronger implication of accepting something morally questionable. "Tolerate something" simply means to allow something to happen without interference.