was bearable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was bearable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that was tolerable or manageable, despite being unpleasant or difficult. Example: "The pain after the surgery was bearable, allowing me to recover without too much discomfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Once America decided killing children was bearable, it was over".

The New Yorker

It was frozen off with cryotherapy, which had hurt a little, but was bearable, she said.

The New York Times - Health

For a first-timer, it was bearable for no more than five minutes.

The New York Times

The perpetual loop was bearable only if people believed her about its cause.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gaines's throbbing sentimentality bordered on overkill but was bearable in small doses.

The New York Times

It was bearable while households appeared to be getting richer, thanks to inflating house and share prices.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"And they're bearable.

The New York Times

But these expenses are bearable.

The Economist

Will the poem be bearable?

The New Yorker

"At 45, it's bearable.

The New York Times

That might have been bearable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was bearable" to describe situations where discomfort or difficulty exists, but the level is such that it can be endured or managed without extreme distress. It's ideal for conveying a sense of resilience or acceptance in challenging circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "was bearable" to describe positive or enjoyable experiences. The phrase implies a degree of hardship or discomfort that is merely tolerable, not pleasant or desirable. Instead, opt for words that accurately reflect the positive nature of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bearable" functions as an adjective phrase following a linking verb ("was"). It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the extent to which something could be tolerated or endured. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe circumstances that are challenging yet not overwhelmingly difficult.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was bearable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a past situation, though difficult or unpleasant, could be tolerated or endured. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase serves to convey a balanced perspective on challenges, acknowledging hardship without exaggerating it. Alternatives like "was tolerable" or "was manageable" offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "was bearable" for situations that genuinely involve some degree of hardship and avoid it in purely positive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was tolerable

Replaces "bearable" with a synonym, focusing on the acceptable level of difficulty or discomfort.

was manageable

Suggests the situation could be handled or controlled, differing slightly in focus from mere toleration.

could be tolerated

Expresses that something can be tolerated

was endurable

Similar to "bearable" but implies a greater degree of suffering that could still be withstood.

was copable

Highlights the ability to effectively deal with a challenging circumstance.

was acceptable

Indicates the situation met a minimum standard of permissibility.

was withstandable

Emphasizes the capacity to resist or overcome a difficult situation.

was sustainable

Shifts the focus to the ability to maintain a certain state or activity over time.

was endurable enough

Adds slight emphasis on just how difficult the situation was but that, nonetheless, could be endured

was livable

Suggests the conditions allowed for a reasonable quality of life, implying more than just tolerance.

FAQs

How can I use "was bearable" in a sentence?

You can use "was bearable" to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation that could still be tolerated or endured. For example: "The pain after the surgery "was bearable", allowing me to recover without too much discomfort."

What can I say instead of "was bearable"?

You can use alternatives like "was tolerable", "was manageable", or "was endurable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was bearable" or "is bearable"?

"Was bearable" refers to a past situation that could be tolerated, while "is bearable" refers to a current situation. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are describing.

What's the difference between "was bearable" and "was enjoyable"?

"Was bearable" implies that a situation was difficult but could be tolerated, while "was enjoyable" indicates that a situation was pleasant and provided satisfaction. They are opposites in meaning.