will not be countenanced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will not be countenanced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something will not be tolerated or accepted in a particular context. Example: "Any form of discrimination will not be countenanced in our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a repetition could not be countenanced.

The Economist

"Islam" means "peace," we heard again and again, and denigration or assaults on its adherents would not be countenanced.

The New Yorker

In fact all the political parties are at pains to state that ABR should not be countenanced.

BMC Medical Ethics

He told reporters that Goldman's performance had been "abysmal, unacceptable and won't be countenanced".

The New York Times

But what there will not be at Davos is a willingness to countenance a sea change in the way capitalism is organised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Controls will not be lifted altogether in the absence of a comprehensive trade agreement and political concessions over sovereignty that neither side, for now, shows any sign of being ready to countenance.

The Economist

No offensive military action will be countenanced by Nato during these periods.

Independent

Even the arrival of a red bill was not to be countenanced.

The Guardian - Opinion

No more than the minimum departure from open justice will be countenanced".

BBC

It's not a crime to be countenanced or excused or explained away.

Huffington Post

"Education is the major factor in social mobility, ending the EMA will mean that many students from less well off backgrounds will simply not be able to countenance continuing with further education".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will not be countenanced" in formal writing or when you want to convey a strong sense of disapproval or prohibition. For a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "will not be tolerated".

Common error

Avoid using "will not be countenanced" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in such contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "won't be allowed" or "not acceptable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will not be countenanced" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing strong prohibition or disapproval. It indicates that a particular action, behavior, or idea will not be tolerated or accepted. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct to use.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will not be countenanced" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express strong disapproval or prohibition in a formal register. While semantically similar to phrases like "will not be tolerated" or "will not be permitted", it carries a more assertive and formal tone. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. As it does not occur frequently, writers might consider using simpler alternatives for broader appeal, but "will not be countenanced" remains a powerful choice for conveying strong disapproval in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will not be tolerated

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express disapproval or prohibition.

will not be permitted

This option emphasizes the lack of official authorization for something.

will not be allowed

This is a general alternative indicating a lack of permission.

will not be accepted

This alternative focuses on the rejection of something, rather than explicit prohibition.

cannot be tolerated

This emphasizes the inability to endure or accept something.

cannot be permitted

This highlights that something is impossible to authorize or allow.

is unacceptable

This is a more direct and less formal way of expressing that something is not satisfactory or allowable.

is out of the question

This alternative signifies that something is definitely not possible or allowable.

is inadmissible

This term suggests something cannot be considered or allowed, often in a formal or legal context.

is beyond the pale

This idiom indicates that something is completely unacceptable or inappropriate.

FAQs

What does "will not be countenanced" mean?

The phrase "will not be countenanced" means something will not be allowed, tolerated, or approved of. It is a formal way of expressing disapproval or prohibition.

What can I say instead of "will not be countenanced"?

You can use alternatives like "will not be tolerated", "will not be permitted", or "will not be allowed" depending on the context.

In what kind of writing is "will not be countenanced" appropriate?

The phrase "will not be countenanced" is most appropriate in formal writing, such as legal documents, official reports, or academic papers. It is less suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.

How can I use "will not be countenanced" in a sentence?

Example: "Any form of discrimination will not be countenanced within this organization." Notice that the object receiving this treatment should be clearly defined.