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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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develop a tolerance for

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a tolerance for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of becoming accustomed to something, often in relation to substances, behaviors, or experiences that may initially be challenging or uncomfortable. Example: "Over time, I was able to develop a tolerance for the spicy food that I once found unbearable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Americans may have to develop a tolerance for failure.

News & Media

The New York Times

AND here's some very important advice: You have to develop a tolerance for the setbacks that come with learning.

News & Media

The New York Times

Over time, a person will develop a tolerance for the drug and have to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.

News & Media

The Guardian

In Israel, where handbags and cars are constantly searched and every unfamiliar object is a potential bomb, "you develop a tolerance for a whole lot of inconveniences and discomfort," Dr. Danieli said, adding, "It becomes a kind of sober grit".

News & Media

The New York Times

Third, the human body does not develop a tolerance for methadone, unlike heroin, so methadone doses of the same (rather than increasing) size can be taken for long periods of time.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

Remarkably, they found that some species seem to develop a tolerance for radioactivity over time.Fukushima and Chernobyl are more than 7,000km 4,3500 miles) apart, but Dr Mousseau and his colleagues soon realised that the two sites had much in common.

News & Media

The Economist
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Since the anaerobic protozoans which are necessary for cellulose digestion and live in the hindguts of primitive termites cannot tolerate high concentrations of oxygen, these termites have developed a tolerance for high concentrations of carbon dioxide.

"The fact that the driver was able to drive for three and a half miles seriously suggests that he had developed a tolerance for alcohol.

News & Media

The New York Times

Ms. Burgess, who had developed a tolerance for morphine, was given seven injections of the drug, said the coroner, Dr. Frank Minyard, adding that it did not kill her.

News & Media

The New York Times

He added, "We've lost the distinction between use and abuse". People whom he called "accomplished drinkers" may be quite comfortable and competent driving at 0.08, because they have developed a tolerance for alcohol, he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Studies have shown that when people talk about developing a "tolerance" for coffee, they are often talking — albeit unknowingly — about the reality that their coffee consumption has fostered a decrease in the amount of cortisol their body produces during the day.

News & Media

Independent
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing adaptation to negative stimuli, use "develop a tolerance for" to convey a gradual process of habituation, rather than a sudden shift.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a tolerance for" when you actually mean complete acceptance or approval. Tolerance implies enduring something, not necessarily embracing it.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a tolerance for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of adaptation or habituation to something, often a substance, situation, or behavior. Ludwig examples show the phrase in contexts ranging from drug use to inconvenience, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop a tolerance for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the process of becoming less sensitive to something over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's found across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. The phrase implies adaptation or habituation, and is distinct from complete acceptance. While it is important to use this phrase to imply enduring something instead of embracing it, its wide applicability makes it a versatile option for describing adaptation in various scenarios.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a tolerance for" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a tolerance for" to describe gradually becoming less affected by something. For example, "Travelers may "develop a tolerance for" street food over time".

What is a more formal way to say "develop a tolerance for"?

A more formal alternative is "cultivate a tolerance for", which suggests a deliberate effort to become more accepting.

Is it correct to say "develop tolerance to" instead of "develop a tolerance for"?

While "develop tolerance to" is sometimes used, "develop a tolerance for" is more common and grammatically preferred.

What's the difference between ""develop a tolerance for"" and "become accustomed to"?

"Develop a tolerance for" often implies a physiological or psychological adaptation to something negative or challenging, while "become accustomed to" is a more general term for getting used to something.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: