hard to countenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to countenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in accepting or tolerating something. Example: "The idea of abandoning our core values is hard to countenance for many of us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Romney said that it was hard "to countenance".

The New Yorker

Some people even find it hard to countenance visiting an unfamiliar town Pevsnerless.

The Guardian

This makes it particularly hard to countenance that the legislation might have been made entirely on a whim.

The Guardian - Opinion

His contention that he believed questions on needles to refer exclusively to doping is similarly hard to countenance.

The Guardian - Sport

"Beat you?" It was hard to countenance the thought of my quiet, reticent and fat dentist landlord beating this emaciated woman.

The New York Times

I rarely watch boxing much these days, mainly because it's hard to countenance a sport that I would never let my kids take part in.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It is difficult to countenance the idea - too few highlights, far too many lows.

BBC

I think he's a decent bloke but like a lot of people who work deep within the system it's hard for him to countenance ideas from outside the narrowly prescribed trench of contemporary democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This will be hard for some to countenance, but it is useful to be able to co-ordinate the prosecution of the production of fake pharmaceuticals that have arrived in one country, after being shipped from another, and made in yet another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most stillborn children are born after natural labour, and, however hard that might be to countenance, a natural birth is better for a mother's physical and mental point of view, says Erica Stewart of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The arms race for research talent and funding is something that today's generation of leaders have been fighting too hard and too long for to countenance a volte-face.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to countenance" when you want to express a strong feeling of disapproval or disbelief towards something. It's appropriate for formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to countenance" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hard to accept" or "difficult to believe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to countenance" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that is difficult to accept or tolerate. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing actions, ideas, or situations that are considered objectionable or unbelievable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Sport

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to countenance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something difficult to accept or tolerate. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most often in news and media contexts, indicating a formal register. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for formal settings. Alternatives like "difficult to accept" or "hard to believe" may be more suitable for informal communication. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate when a sophisticated vocabulary is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to accept

Focuses on the challenge of accepting something emotionally or intellectually, rather than tolerating it.

hard to swallow

Implies that something is unpleasant or difficult to believe.

difficult to stomach

Emphasizes a strong aversion or disgust towards something.

hard to believe

Focuses on the improbability or incredulity of something.

difficult to imagine

Highlights the challenge of forming a mental picture or understanding of something.

hard to fathom

Implies a deep mystery or difficulty in understanding something.

difficult to comprehend

Focuses on the cognitive challenge of understanding something.

hard to justify

Indicates a challenge in finding reasons or explanations to support something.

difficult to defend

Highlights the challenge of arguing in favor of something.

hard to excuse

Implies that something is difficult to forgive or overlook.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to countenance" in a sentence?

You can use "hard to countenance" to express that something is difficult to accept or tolerate. For example, "It's "hard to countenance" such blatant disregard for the rules."

What are some alternatives to "hard to countenance"?

Alternatives include "difficult to accept", "hard to believe", or "difficult to stomach", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "hard to countenance" formal or informal?

"Hard to countenance" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "hard to countenance" and "hard to accept"?

"Hard to countenance" implies a stronger sense of disapproval or moral objection than "hard to accept". While both suggest difficulty in accepting something, "hard to countenance" often indicates a stronger feeling of offense or disbelief.