could not bear

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not bear" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong dislike or intolerance towards something. Example: He could not bear the thought of spending another minute in that cramped and noisy room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I could not bear to.

The New Yorker

She could not bear it any longer.

The New York Times

Lutz could not bear to watch.

The New York Times - Sports

I could not bear the sight.

The Economist

His wife could not bear the sight.

The New York Times

She could not bear defending violent criminals.

The Guardian - Books

"He could not bear being left behind".

The New York Times

He could not bear to look.

The New York Times - Sports

"I could not bear any more".

The New York Times

I could not bear it to end.

The Guardian - Books

Was it this he could not bear?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing between "could not bear" and similar phrases, consider the context. "Could not stand" might be appropriate for general dislikes, while "could not stomach" is better for morally repugnant situations.

Common error

While "could not bear" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly emotional or dramatic. In those situations, replace it with phrases like "was unable to tolerate" or "found unacceptable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not bear" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase, expressing a strong inability or unwillingness to tolerate something. Ludwig examples show it is used to convey intense dislike, aversion, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not bear" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong aversion or inability to tolerate something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and used in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, but also appears frequently in Books. While generally neutral in register, it can be toned down for formal writing by using alternatives like "was unable to tolerate". Remember to consider the context when choosing between "could not bear" and similar phrases to best convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found it unbearable

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of something being too difficult or painful to handle.

could not stand

Expresses a strong dislike, bordering on aversion, for something.

could not abide

Expresses a strong dislike or intolerance, similar to "could not stand".

couldn't tolerate

Indicates a lack of ability to put up with something, often implying a lower threshold of endurance than "could not bear".

could not handle

Implies a lack of capacity to manage or deal with a situation or feeling.

was unable to endure

Highlights the inability to withstand something, focusing on the endurance aspect.

could not stomach

Implies a strong aversion, often used in the context of something morally or aesthetically displeasing.

could not face

Suggests an inability to confront or deal with something due to fear or anxiety.

was loath to

Indicates a reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

refused to accept

Focuses on the act of rejecting something, highlighting a conscious decision not to accept it.

FAQs

How can I use "could not bear" in a sentence?

The phrase "could not bear" is used to express a strong dislike or inability to tolerate something. For example, "He "could not bear" the thought of being alone".

What can I say instead of "could not bear"?

You can use alternatives like "could not stand", "found it unbearable", or "was unable to endure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could not bear" or "could not bare"?

"Could not bear" is correct when expressing intolerance or inability to endure something. "Bare" means to uncover or reveal, so "could not bare" has a different meaning.

What's the difference between "could not bear" and "could not tolerate"?

"Could not bear" generally implies a stronger emotional reaction or level of intolerance than "could not tolerate". The latter suggests a lack of ability to put up with something, whereas the former suggests a deeper aversion.