was completely intolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was completely intolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or condition that is utterly unacceptable or unbearable. Example: "The noise from the construction site next door was completely intolerable, making it impossible for me to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both candidates, McConnell advisers said, would be completely intolerable as general election nominees.

The Washington Post

That would be completely intolerable and illegal in any slaughterhouse in the world.

The Guardian

The surge of racist incidents in recent weeks is completely intolerable.

The Guardian

"These are issues where we should have a logical public debate and it's completely intolerable that people be subjected to this sort of abuse and to threats like this.

The Guardian

The Vienna State Opera, whose website says it "takes particular care of the physical and emotional wellbeing" of students, said in a statement that its own investigation had "uncovered very unpleasant incidents, which are completely intolerable and which we greatly regret".

The Guardian

"The London Underground situation is completely intolerable for London commuters," the prime minister said.

BBC

I just choose to draw the line when the request is completely intolerable.

Huffington Post

If no one bothered being polite, everyday situations like eating in a restaurant, waiting in line at the post office or dealing with bad traffic would be completely intolerable.

WikiHow

Consider the case of a patient suffering from motor neurone disease who is completely respirator dependent, finds her condition intolerable, and competently and persistently requests to be removed from the respirator so that she may die.

SEP

What is really intolerable is not taking the risk of speaking up and because of that silence a child somewhere loses hope and believes they are completely alone.

Huffington Post

"The crisis focused our minds and made everybody understand that it is simply and completely intolerable to have people put their money abroad when you ask the population to tighten the belt," said Ángel Gurría, secretary general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Paris-based group that represents 34 economies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was completely intolerable", ensure the context clearly defines what specific aspect was unacceptable. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "was completely intolerable" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was completely intolerable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as being utterly unacceptable or unbearable. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, which confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was completely intolerable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval or highlight the unacceptability of something. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and should be used with consideration for the level of formality required. Consider more common alternatives such as ""was utterly unacceptable"" or ""was absolutely unbearable"" depending on the specific context. Overuse in informal settings should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was utterly unacceptable

Replaces "completely intolerable" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the unacceptability of something.

was entirely unacceptable

Replaces "completely" with "entirely", keeping the focus on unacceptability.

was wholly unacceptable

Similar to "utterly unacceptable", but uses "wholly" as an intensifier.

was plainly unacceptable

Emphasizes that something was obviously unacceptable.

was absolutely unbearable

Emphasizes the difficulty in enduring something, rather than its unacceptability.

could not be tolerated

Uses a passive voice to express that something should not be allowed or accepted.

was simply too much to bear

Highlights the emotional burden and difficulty in enduring something.

was beyond the pale

Indicates that something was outside the bounds of what is acceptable or appropriate.

was completely out of line

Suggests the action or situation was inappropriate and violated expected boundaries.

was out of the question

Emphasizes that something was not a viable option or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "was completely intolerable" in a sentence?

You can use "was completely intolerable" to describe a situation, behavior, or condition that was utterly unacceptable. For example: "The level of noise during the concert "was completely intolerable"".

What are some alternatives to "was completely intolerable"?

Alternatives include "was utterly unacceptable", "was absolutely unbearable", or "could not be tolerated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "was completely intolerable" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "was completely intolerable" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using less formal alternatives like "was too much" or "I couldn't stand it".

What's the difference between "was intolerable" and "was completely intolerable"?

Adding "completely" intensifies the feeling of unacceptability. "Was completely intolerable" emphasizes that something was utterly beyond the limits of what could be accepted or endured. The expression "was intolerable" means something was difficult or impossible to accept.