this will not stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this will not stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a situation or decision is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Example: "After reviewing the unfair treatment of employees, I must say that this will not stand; we need to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This will not stand".

The New Yorker

This will not stand any longer.

Yale University

"No, this will not stand, this will not stand," fumes Richard Readshaw.

The Guardian - Sport

"This will not stand," Anonymous said in a video message.

The Guardian

The "This will not stand" line slightly jarred with me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Bush said, 'This will not stand,' " Mattis said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This summer's gathering – documented in this gallery – offered sartorial representations of the phrases "This aggression will not stand!" and "Does the Pope shit in the woods?", among others.

The Guardian - Film

In the words of Mitch Daniels, Mr Bush's top budget man, this administration will not stand for "guns and butter".Would that the facts supported this boast.

The Economist

/ Dude, this aggression will not stand".

The New York Times - Books

And this, obviously, will not stand.

The Guardian

And this party will not stand for it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to, maintaining clarity and impact in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "this will not stand" in casual or insignificant situations. The phrase carries a weight of disapproval, so reserving it for serious matters ensures it retains its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this will not stand" functions as an assertive declaration of disapproval or rejection. It expresses a firm resolve to prevent or stop something deemed unacceptable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Huffington Post

24%

The Guardian

12%

Less common in

The New York Times

4%

The New Yorker

4%

BBC

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this will not stand" is a powerful declaration used to express strong disapproval and a commitment to prevent something unacceptable from continuing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a firm stance is necessary to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "this is unacceptable" or "this is intolerable" can offer a more formal or less aggressive tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is unacceptable

Emphasizes the lack of acceptability of something.

this is intolerable

Highlights the unbearable nature of something.

this is not permitted

Indicates that something is officially disallowed.

this is out of the question

Indicates something is not worth considering.

this is inadmissible

Highlights that something cannot be allowed or accepted, often in a formal context.

this is not going to happen

Expresses a strong determination to prevent something.

this will not be tolerated

Focuses on the lack of tolerance for a particular action or situation.

this cannot continue

Emphasizes the need for something to stop.

this is simply not on

British English idiom expressing strong disapproval.

I won't allow this

Personalizes the statement, indicating a refusal to permit something.

FAQs

How can I use "this will not stand" in a sentence?

Use "this will not stand" to express that something is unacceptable and must be stopped. For instance, "The company's discriminatory hiring practices will not stand."

What's a more formal way to say "this will not stand"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "this is unacceptable" or "this is intolerable" which convey similar disapproval but with a more professional register.

Which is more appropriate, "this will not stand" or "this cannot be accepted"?

Both "this will not stand" and "this cannot be accepted" express disapproval, but "this will not stand" carries a stronger, more assertive tone. Use "this will not stand" when you want to emphasize your resolve to prevent something from continuing.

What can I say instead of "this will not stand" to sound less aggressive?

To soften the tone, you could use phrases like "this is not ideal", "this is concerning", or "this requires immediate attention" depending on the situation and your desired level of assertiveness.