tolerate me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tolerate me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to be patient or accepting of your behavior or situation. Example: "I know I can be difficult at times, but I hope you can tolerate me as I work through my issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They will not tolerate me waiting another night.

The New York Times

He would just barely tolerate me watching "Morning Joe".

The New York Times

That's not in your gift; to say you are prepared to tolerate me is simply arrogant.

Independent

I don't want you to tolerate me, or anything about me.

Independent

"It's true I don't tolerate fools but then they don't tolerate me, so I am spiky.

The Guardian

"She seemed interested in the company and theater, but seemed only to tolerate me," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

She tolerated me more outside than inside.

The New Yorker

"I cherished you, and you tolerated me".

The New York Times

She never really acknowledged me, merely tolerated me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You may say, 'Oh, you're so nice,' but you may just be tolerating me.

The New York Times

The shop girls, a jumble of attenuated limbs and stringy hair, tolerated me with a spirit of resigned professionalism.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tolerate me", consider the context and relationship with the person you're addressing. It often implies a slight imposition or imperfection on your part. Choose it when you want to acknowledge that you might be testing their patience or acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "tolerate me" in highly formal or professional situations where a more direct and confident expression is expected. Instead, opt for phrases that convey competence and reliability, like "bear with me as I finalize the report" or "allow me to address this issue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tolerate me" functions primarily as a request or plea. Grammatically, it's a verb (tolerate) followed by a direct object pronoun (me). According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tolerate me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that seeks acceptance and understanding from others, despite perceived flaws or shortcomings. According to Ludwig, the usage is correct. The phrase is most common in News & Media, but acceptable in various contexts. Related phrases include "put up with me" and "bear with me", offering similar but nuanced alternatives. While it's generally appropriate, avoid using it in highly formal settings. Recognizing these nuances helps ensure effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put up with me

Focuses on enduring or accepting someone's behavior or presence, often with a sense of mild annoyance.

bear with me

Implies asking for patience while someone is going through a difficult situation or process.

be understanding of me

Requests empathy and comprehension of one's feelings and perspective.

be patient with me

Directly requests patience and understanding, often during a learning process or period of adjustment.

endure my presence

Highlights the act of suffering through someone's company or being.

make allowances for me

Requests understanding and leniency for one's mistakes or imperfections.

accept me as I am

Requests acceptance of one's inherent qualities and flaws, without requiring tolerance of specific behaviors.

show forbearance towards me

Emphasizes the act of restraining from reacting negatively to someone's actions.

exercise restraint with me

Similar to forbearance, highlighting the conscious effort to control one's reactions.

forgive my shortcomings

Asks for pardon regarding one's flaws.

FAQs

What does "tolerate me" mean?

The phrase "tolerate me" means asking someone to accept or put up with your presence, behavior, or characteristics, even if they find them somewhat undesirable or annoying. It implies a degree of acceptance rather than enthusiastic approval.

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

You can use "tolerate me" when you are aware that your actions or personality might be challenging for others, and you're asking for their patience and understanding. For example, "I know I can be difficult at times, but I hope you can "tolerate me" as I work through my issues."

What can I say instead of "tolerate me"?

You can use alternatives like "put up with me", "bear with me", or "be patient with me" depending on the context and the degree of formality required.

Is it better to say "tolerate me" or "accept me"?

The choice between "tolerate me" and "accept me" depends on the context. "Tolerate me" suggests that there are aspects of you that might be difficult to handle, while "accept me" implies a desire for complete and unconditional acceptance of who you are.