Cool MateI will not tolerate vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I will not tolerate
Top 3,000 (common)
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Permit
| I will not tolerate | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ wɪl nɒt ˈtɒləreɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪ wɪl nɑt ˈtɑləˌreɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I will not accept or allow something. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | I will not tolerate disrespect in my classroom. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | tolerate bad behavior, tolerate noise, tolerate stress, tolerate differences, tolerate mistakes | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | - | forbid, prohibit, ban |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'tolerate' with 'accept' – 'tolerate' implies enduring something unpleasant, while 'accept' is more positive., Using 'tolerate' without an object – always specify what you are not willing to tolerate., Mixing up the tense – ensure to use the correct future tense with 'will not'. | Confused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to firmly indicate limits on behavior or actions. It is appropriate in both personal and professional contexts but can sound strong, so use it cautiously. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: I will not tolerate vs Permit
What's the difference between I will not tolerate and Permit?
I will not tolerate: I will not accept or allow something. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Which is more common: I will not tolerate and Permit?
Permit is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I will not tolerate: I will not tolerate disrespect in my classroom. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use I will not tolerate and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. I will not tolerate and Permit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.