SpeakUp

Meaning trap

put up with

tolerate

to accept an unpleasant situation or person without complaining, even though you do not like it.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

tolerate

to accept an unpleasant situation or person without complaining, even though you do not like it.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I can't put up with this noise any longer.daily life
  • In my last job, I had to put up with a lot of stress, but I learned how to manage it over time.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: put up with + noun/pronoun

WrongI can't put up his constant complaining.

RightI can't put up with his constant complaining.

It's a three-part phrase: 'put up WITH' something. Don't drop 'with'.

Patternput up with + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I am no longer prepared to tolerate this behaviour.

Natural I'm not going to put up with this anymore.

'Put up with' is the everyday verb for tolerating something unpleasant; 'tolerate this behaviour' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • put up with + nuisance
    the noisehis moodsa long commuteit

Don't confuse it

'Put up with' means to tolerate, not to solve or fix the problem.

Try it in Daily Speak →