could not tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not tolerate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an unwillingness or inability to accept something. For example, "She could not tolerate the noise from her neighbor's house late at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He could not tolerate that.

The New York Times

But, increasingly, he could not tolerate the European commission's interventionism.

The Guardian

But mobile-phone users could not tolerate them.

The Economist

Saudi Arabia, for one, could not tolerate the prospect.

The Guardian

Most people could not tolerate staying in jail one night".

The New York Times

"As a Jew, I could not tolerate that we were being portrayed as monsters," he said.

The New York Times

But four children dropped out because they could not tolerate the treatment.

The New York Times - Health

For a long time that shade of pink was something I could not tolerate.

The New York Times

He could not tolerate being a pawn — and a penniless one.

The New York Times

Veteran diplomatic observers said Mr. Castro could not tolerate criticism of his government.

The New York Times

"And John, he saw the ruins with a clarity that you and I could not tolerate".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not tolerate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being rejected or found unbearable. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "could not tolerate" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "couldn't stand" or "hated" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not tolerate" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subject's inability or unwillingness to accept, endure, or permit something. It indicates a limit beyond which acceptance is not possible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not tolerate" is a versatile expression signifying an inability to accept or endure something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and widely used, it serves to convey strong disapproval or a limit of acceptance across various contexts. While neutral in tone, it leans toward formality and is most frequently found in "News & Media" and scientific sources. Consider simpler alternatives in casual settings, such as "could not stand" or "could not bear". Remember to be specific and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not accept

Changes "tolerate" to "accept", focusing on a lack of willingness to receive or approve something.

could not stand

Replaces "tolerate" with "stand", emphasizing an inability to endure or bear something.

could not bear

Substitutes "tolerate" with "bear", highlighting an inability to put up with something due to emotional or physical strain.

could not endure

Similar to "bear" and "stand", "endure" also speaks to the inability to suffer through something, often implying a sense of hardship.

could not permit

Emphasizes the refusal to allow something, rather than the inability to bear it.

could not allow

Close to "permit", but "allow" can sometimes suggest a more passive sense of non-approval.

could not condone

Shifts the focus to moral disapproval; "condone" means to accept or forgive behavior that is considered wrong.

could not stomach

An idiom suggesting strong dislike or disgust, going beyond simple inability to tolerate.

found unacceptable

Phrases the inability to tolerate as a judgement of unacceptability.

deemed inadmissible

Formally rejects something, usually according to set rules or standards.

FAQs

What does "could not tolerate" mean?

The phrase "could not tolerate" means to be unable to accept or endure something. It expresses a strong dislike or inability to put up with a particular situation, behavior, or substance.

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

You can use "could not tolerate" to describe someone's inability to accept something. For example, "She "could not tolerate" the noise from the construction site" or "He "could not tolerate" the taste of the medicine".

What are some alternatives to "could not tolerate"?

Some alternatives to "could not tolerate" include "could not stand", "could not bear", "could not accept", or "found unacceptable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "could not tolerate" formal or informal?

The phrase "could not tolerate" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, simpler alternatives like "could not stand" or "hated" might be more appropriate.