low tolerance for

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone has a low level of patience or acceptance for something. For example, "John has a low tolerance for noise, so he frequently asks visitors to keep their voices down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Friends noticed his low tolerance for alcohol.

The Guardian

Another price is a low tolerance for difference and nonconformity.

The New York Times

Germans have a low tolerance for measures that widen inequality.

The Economist

Mr. Zuckerman has a low tolerance for losing money, indeed, a low tolerance for losing at anything (I've had the misfortune of confronting him at Ping-Pong).

The New York Times

Therefore, they, like the East Asians, have a low tolerance for alcohol.

The New Yorker

Even my husband, who has a low tolerance for gnocchi, was clamoring for more.

The New York Times

In another case, a nationally ranked tennis player had a low tolerance for frustration.

The New York Times

But early fans have a low tolerance for dismissive pop-starlet tags.

The New Yorker

He'd once been a patient there himself, and he had a low tolerance for fairy tales.

The New Yorker

Warren's advisers believe that Obama has a low tolerance for political pain.

The New Yorker

Jennifer Mendelsohn, a freelance writer based in Baltimore, has a low tolerance for bad faith.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "low tolerance for", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'low tolerance for noise' rather than just 'low tolerance'.

Common error

Avoid using "low tolerance for" when referring to physical endurance. The phrase is more appropriate for abstract concepts like behaviors, ideas, or conditions, rather than physical activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low tolerance for" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun to indicate a limited ability to accept or endure something. Ludwig confirms its validity, with numerous examples showing its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Huffington Post

10%

The New York Times

7%

Less common in

Science

1%

Forbes

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low tolerance for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a limited capacity to accept or endure something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's crucial to define the subject and object clearly and use the phrase appropriately for abstract concepts rather than physical endurance. Alternatives like "little patience for" or "limited tolerance of" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intolerance of

Highlights the absence of tolerance.

little patience for

Indicates a reduced level of patience, emphasizing the emotional aspect.

limited tolerance of

Focuses on the boundary or limit of acceptance.

lack of patience with

Emphasizes the absence of patience.

poor endurance for

Highlights the inability to withstand or endure something.

minimal acceptance of

Emphasizes the small degree of acceptance.

scant regard for

Indicates a lack of respect or consideration.

restricted capacity for

Focuses on the limited ability to handle or deal with something.

aversion to

Expresses a strong dislike or disinclination.

sensitivity to

Highlights a vulnerability to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "low tolerance for" to describe a person's limited ability to accept or endure something. For example: "She has a "low tolerance for" spicy food" or "The company has a "low tolerance for" errors".

What are some alternatives to "low tolerance for"?

Some alternatives include "little patience for", "limited tolerance of", or "intolerance of" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "low tolerance for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "low tolerance for" and "lack of tolerance for"?

While similar, "low tolerance for" suggests a limited capacity to endure something, whereas "lack of tolerance for" emphasizes a complete absence of acceptance. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.