intolerant of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intolerant of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of acceptance or unwillingness to tolerate certain behaviors, beliefs, or practices. Example: "She is intolerant of any form of discrimination and advocates for equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We can and should be intolerant of intolerance.

Huffington Post

Let's learn to be intolerant of our own intolerance.

Huffington Post

Despots and revolutionaries are intolerant of doubt.

The New Yorker

Australians, intolerant of bootlicking, derided the decision.

The Economist

Mussolini, intolerant of rival gangsters, suppressed them.

The Economist

The president is intolerant of criticism.

The Economist

A dedicated smoker, intolerant of weakness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mainers are famously intolerant of outsiders.

The New York Times - Food

Be intolerant of these people instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was intolerant of obstacles to change.

The New York Times

The Grand Dragon was intolerant of black people; King was intolerant of racism.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intolerant of", ensure the object of intolerance is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He is intolerant", specify "He is intolerant of criticism".

Common error

Avoid using "intolerant of" to describe general dislikes or preferences. This phrase is most effective when describing a strong aversion to specific behaviors, beliefs, or practices that are viewed as unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intolerant of" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's disposition or attitude towards something. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct usage, highlighting its use in expressing disapproval or aversion. The phrase connects the subject with a specific attribute or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intolerant of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of acceptance or patience. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing and common usage, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to define the object of intolerance clearly. Alternatives like "unaccepting of" or "averse to" offer nuanced variations. Understanding its function and avoiding common errors ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unaccepting of

Focuses on a lack of acceptance rather than active intolerance.

Averse to

Indicates a strong dislike or opposition.

Cannot abide

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike and inability to tolerate something.

Has no patience for

Highlights a lack of patience rather than outright intolerance.

Opposed to

Indicates a stance of opposition or resistance.

Resistant to

Suggests a resistance or unwillingness to accept something.

Against

A simpler and more direct way of expressing opposition.

Disapproving of

Implies a negative judgment or lack of approval.

Unsympathetic to

Emphasizes a lack of understanding or compassion.

Hostile to

Indicates an actively unfriendly or aggressive stance.

FAQs

How can I use "intolerant of" in a sentence?

You can use "intolerant of" to describe someone's strong aversion to something. For example, "She is "intolerant of any form of discrimination"" or "He is "intolerant of people who are late"".

What are some alternatives to saying "intolerant of"?

Alternatives include "unaccepting of", "averse to", or "having no patience for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "intolerant of" or "not tolerant of"?

"Intolerant of" is generally more concise and direct. "Not tolerant of" is equally correct but can sound more verbose. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "intolerant of" and "prejudiced against"?

"Intolerant of" typically implies a general lack of acceptance, while "prejudiced against" suggests a preconceived and often negative judgment, especially towards a group of people. "Prejudiced against" carries a stronger connotation of unfairness and bias.