only tolerate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only tolerate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a limited acceptance or patience towards something or someone. Example: "I can only tolerate so much noise before I need to leave the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attempts have been made with conventional crops to breed salt tolerance; however, these crops can only tolerate limited amounts of salt in their systems.

BMC Genomics

Audiences not only tolerate new ballets, they also expect them.

The New York Times

Or perhaps it's because physical dangerousness is something Australians only tolerate from chaps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, Iranian authorities only tolerate state-sponsored graffiti and wall paintings.

The Guardian

"In the Western Cape, different communities -- black, colored and white -- do not only tolerate each other.

The New York Times

You can only tolerate A through W. I can't help you with that".

The New York Times - Arts

We not only tolerate but celebrate free expression and vigorous debate.

The New York Times

Earth can only tolerate only 400 to 800bn tonnes of CO2 without tipping over the two degrees Celsius planetary limit.

The Guardian

He could only tolerate sitting in darkened rooms, not even able to watch the flickering lights of a television.

The New York Times

Westerners, by contrast, not only tolerate fantasy play but actively encourage it, for adults as well as for children.

The New York Times

Many Greeks not only tolerate but also admire strays for being hearty, against-the-odds survivors, which is the way many Greeks see themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the limits of endurance, be specific about what is being tolerated. For example, instead of "I can only tolerate so much", say "I can only tolerate 30 minutes of noise".

Common error

Avoid overusing "only tolerate" without specifying the boundary. Without context, it can sound vague. Instead of "They only tolerate criticism", clarify with "They only tolerate constructive criticism".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only tolerate" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a subject to indicate the extent to which something is acceptable or endurable. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it specifies a boundary or limit to acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only tolerate" is a versatile expression used to indicate a limited level of acceptance or endurance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. It’s important to consider the specific context when using "only tolerate" to ensure the intended degree of acceptance is accurately conveyed. Alternative phrases like ""barely accept"" or "just endure" can offer finer shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely accept

Indicates a minimal level of acceptance, suggesting discomfort or reluctance.

just endure

Emphasizes the act of suffering through something without necessarily accepting it.

scarcely permit

Highlights the limited permission or allowance granted.

grudgingly allow

Suggests reluctant permission, often with underlying resentment.

narrowly condone

Implies a borderline acceptance, close to disapproval.

hardly countenance

Indicates a strong aversion and minimal acceptance.

just stomach

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something, often implying disgust.

cannot stand

Emphasizes the inability to endure something due to strong dislike.

find barely acceptable

Directly states the limited level of acceptance, focusing on personal judgment.

grudgingly put up with

Suggests an unwilling acceptance, emphasizing the burden of endurance.

FAQs

How can I use "only tolerate" in a sentence?

You can use "only tolerate" to express the limited acceptance or endurance of something. For example, "I can "barely accept" the noise from the construction site" or "The company can "scarcely permit" any delays in the project".

What are some alternatives to "only tolerate"?

Some alternatives to "only tolerate" include phrases like ""barely accept"", "just endure", or ""scarcely permit"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "can only tolerate" instead of "only tolerate"?

Yes, both "only tolerate" and "can only tolerate" are grammatically correct. The inclusion of "can" simply adds an explicit statement of ability or capacity.

What's the difference between "only tolerate" and "fully accept"?

"Only tolerate" implies a limited or reluctant acceptance, whereas "fully accept" suggests complete and enthusiastic approval. They represent opposite ends of the acceptance spectrum.