could not endure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not 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: "She could not endure the pain any longer and decided to seek help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Jacobs, known for her endurance, could not endure.

The New York Times - Sports

Abraham Lincoln said that the nation could not endure half slave and half free.

The New Yorker

I decided that I could not endure these sweltering rooms until dawn, and went down.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterwards Karolos Papoulias, the plain-speaking Greek president, told Mrs Merkel the Greeks could not endure much more austerity.

The Economist

Her clarity could not endure social talk instead of truth; piety instead of "The Soul's Superior instants".

The Guardian - Books

He called Ms. Zeller, crying, and told her he could not endure the thoughts in his head.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But in 2010, I couldn't endure it anymore".

The New York Times

"I couldn't endure what we were going to do.

Independent

Now I couldn't endure the pain; I felt I was going to die.

The Guardian

Cornell said that he couldn't endure the sound of the furnace going on and off in the basement below.

The New Yorker

In a city where reporters like Jimmy Breslin, Anna Quindlen, and Bob McFadden were on the loose, such falsehoods couldn't endure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality needed. While "could not endure" is acceptable in most contexts, "was unable to endure" offers a more formal tone.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of "could not endure" by using it for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the inability to bear something is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not endure" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an inability or unwillingness to tolerate something. It suggests a limit has been reached, making continued acceptance impossible. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not endure" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that expresses an inability to tolerate or withstand something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for use. It's frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary. While "could not endure" is appropriate, be mindful of its strength. Reserve it for situations that truly represent a limit of tolerance. Alternatives like "could not bear", "could not stand", or "could not tolerate" can offer subtle differences in meaning and tone depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not tolerate

Replaces "endure" with "tolerate", suggesting a similar lack of ability to accept something.

could not bear

Substitutes "endure" with "bear", conveying an inability to withstand something, often emotionally.

could not stand

Replaces "endure" with "stand", indicating an inability to put up with something.

could not withstand

Emphasizes the inability to resist or oppose something, rather than simply tolerate it.

could not stomach

Implies a strong aversion or disgust, making it impossible to accept something.

was unable to endure

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "could not" with "was unable to" for added emphasis.

found it unbearable

Shifts the focus to the subjective experience of finding something too difficult to handle.

reached the limit of tolerance

Highlights the reaching of a threshold beyond which something can no longer be accepted.

refused to tolerate

Indicates a conscious decision not to accept something, rather than an inability.

simply could not cope with

Focuses on the inability to manage or deal with a situation.

FAQs

What does "could not endure" mean?

The phrase "could not endure" means being unable to tolerate or bear something. It expresses a limit to one's capacity to withstand a situation, feeling, or condition.

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

You can use "could not endure" in sentences like, "She "could not endure" the pain any longer" or "The nation "could not endure" half slave and half free".

What are some alternatives to "could not endure"?

Some alternatives to "could not endure" include "could not bear", "could not stand", or "could not tolerate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "could not endure" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "could not endure" when describing situations where someone or something reaches a limit of tolerance, especially when facing hardship, pain, or injustice. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.