could not take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not take" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has been unable to do or accept something. For example, "I tried to get the promotion, but I simply could not take on the extra responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Could not take it today.

The New York Times

She could not take it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could not take it?... Frightened!

Independent

I could not take deep breaths".

Independent

She could not take it in.

The New York Times

They could not take it.

The Guardian - Sport

He could not take it.

The New York Times - Sports

Virginia Tech could not take advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

They could not take a joke.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Falco could not take it.

The New York Times

"They could not take her out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like 'endure', 'tolerate', or 'withstand' if you want to add emphasis to the inability.

Common error

Avoid using "could not take" without a clear object. For instance, instead of saying "I could not take", specify "I could not take the pressure" or "I could not take the job".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not take" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing an inability or unwillingness to endure, accept, or handle something. As shown by Ludwig, this construction appears in numerous contexts to convey limitations or breaking points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not take" is a versatile phrase expressing an inability to endure, tolerate, or accept something. As verified by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object of "take". While Ludwig confirms its correctness, remember to choose synonyms like "was unable to accept" or "could not tolerate" to add nuance to your writing and maintain formality as needed. The phrase is commonly used to describe limits of endurance across various topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply couldn't bear

Emphasizes the emotional difficulty in accepting something.

could not tolerate

Emphasizes a lack of endurance or acceptance, often in a negative context.

could not endure

Highlights the inability to withstand something, often implying suffering.

found it impossible to accept

Highlights the subjective experience of impossibility.

was unable to accept

Replaces the modal verb with a more explicit statement of inability.

was incapable of bearing

Stresses a fundamental inability to withstand something.

was not able to handle

Focuses on a lack of capacity or skill to manage a situation.

could not stomach

Implies a strong aversion or disgust, making acceptance impossible.

was not prepared to accept

Suggests a conscious decision to reject something.

was unequipped to manage

Focuses on a lack of the necessary resources or skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "could not take" to express an inability to endure, tolerate, or accept something. For example, "She could not take the constant criticism" or "His body could not take any more chemotherapy".

What does "could not take" mean?

"Could not take" generally signifies an inability to endure, accept, or handle a situation, emotion, or physical stress. It implies a breaking point has been reached.

What are some alternatives to "could not take"?

Alternatives include "was unable to accept", "could not tolerate", or "was not able to handle", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "could not take" or "couldn't take"?

Both "could not take" and "couldn't take" are grammatically correct. "Could not take" is slightly more formal, while "couldn't take" is more conversational. The choice depends on the desired tone of your writing.