put up with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put up with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe accepting something unpleasant or tolerating something that is difficult. For example, "He had to put up with his neighbor's loud music every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You've put up with it".

The New Yorker

Why do we put up with this?

The New Yorker

Patients put up with organisational shifts.

The Economist

Or at least put up with it.

The New York Times

We wouldn't put up with it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But most put up with it.

The Economist

You shouldn't put up with it.

The New York Times

Who else would put up with her?

The New Yorker

I won't put up with that.

The New Yorker

I put up with everyone.

The Guardian

They put up with war.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put up with" when you want to convey the idea of tolerating something unpleasant, often with a sense of resignation or lack of better options.

Common error

Avoid using "put up with" when you want to express strong approval or enthusiastic agreement. This phrase always implies tolerating something undesirable, not celebrating something positive.

How to use

Learn how to use "put up with" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "put up with" is that of a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to express tolerating or enduring something unpleasant. It commonly acts as the verb in a sentence, describing the action of accepting an undesirable situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put up with" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to express tolerance or endurance of something unpleasant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that "put up with" always implies tolerating something undesirable, and consider more formal alternatives like "tolerate" or "endure" for professional settings. Avoid using it when expressing strong approval. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "put up with" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tolerate

A more formal and direct synonym, implying acceptance without necessarily liking something.

Endure

Suggests bearing something difficult or painful over a period of time.

Bear

Similar to endure, but can also imply a sense of responsibility or duty.

Stand for

Often used in the negative to indicate refusal to tolerate something.

Accept

Implies a more willing or resigned agreement to something.

Brook

An older, less common term for tolerating or allowing something.

Suffer

Focuses on the negative experience of enduring something unpleasant.

Allow

Suggests giving permission or not preventing something from happening.

Comply with

Indicates conforming to a rule or request, often unwillingly.

Go along with

Suggests agreeing or participating in something, often without enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "put up with" in a sentence?

You can use "put up with" to describe tolerating something unpleasant. For example, "I had to put up with the noisy construction outside my window."

What's a more formal alternative to "put up with"?

If you need a more formal option, consider using "tolerate" or "endure". These words carry a similar meaning but are suitable for professional settings.

Is it correct to say "I can't put up with it anymore"?

Yes, saying "I can't put up with it anymore" is a perfectly valid and common way to express that you've reached your limit of tolerance for something.

What's the difference between "put up with" and "deal with"?

"Put up with" implies tolerating something unpleasant, while "deal with" suggests taking action to manage or resolve a problem.