What does Can't stand in English mean? Definition and usage of Can't stand in English

Can't stand in English is a unique phrase in English and is commonly used in spoken language. In the following article, PREP will provide specific explanations on the correct and effective usage of the Can't stand in English, along with examples to help learners understand and flexibly apply this phrase in English.

I. What does Can't stand in English mean?

What does Can't stand in English mean? According to The Free Dictionary, Can't stand in English means: cannot tolerate someone or something due to an aversion or a strong sense of disgust or dislike. For example:

• Ugh, I can't stand obnoxious guys who always have to dominate the conversation.
• I could never be a doctor or nurse - I just can't stand the sight of blood. 

II. Compilation of usages of Can't stand in English 

Let's quickly explore the common usages of Can't stand in English with PREP below!

III. Differentiating Can't stand, Can't help, and Can't wait

The phrases Can't stand, Can't help, and Can't wait are all commonly used to express the speaker's emotions or attitudes, but each word carries a different meaning. Below, PREP will help you differentiate them.

IV. Exercise on Can't stand in English with answers

Differentiate Can't stand, Can't help, and Can't wait more quickly by completing the exercise below!

Exercise

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer

1. I _______ the way he always talks over others during meetings.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
2. I _______ but smile when I see puppies playing.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
3. I _______ for the weekend to relax and unwind.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
4. They _______ the taste of olives.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
5. I _______ but admire her dedication to her studies.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
6. I _______  for the summer vacation.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
7. I _______ the way he constantly interrupts the teacher.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
8. He _______  checking his phone every few minutes.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
9. We _______  for the concert next week.
   1. Can’t stand
   2. Can’t help
   3. Can’t wait
10. I _______ people who litter in public places.
    1. Can’t stand
    2. Can’t help
    3. Can’t wait

Exercise 2: Write the correct words to fill in the blanks: Can't stand, Can't help, and Can't wait (conjugate the verbs if any)

1. I _____________ watching horror movies.
2. She _____________ laughing when she saw the puppy.
3. I _____________ for my vacation to begin.
4. I _____________ when people talk with their mouths full.
5. They _____________ their parents with household chores.
6. He _____________ to see his favorite band perform live.
7.  She _____________ herself from giggling during the serious meeting.
8. We _____________ for the results of the test.
9. He _____________ his excitement when he heard the news.
10. I _____________ the feeling of being late.
11. We _____________ in line for hours to get tickets to the concert.
12. She _____________ herself from crying when she heard the sad news.
13. He _____________ the loud noise coming from the construction site next door.
14. I _____________ to visit my grandparents this weekend.
15. They _____________ but laugh at the comedian's jokes.

2. Answer

Exercise 1:

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. A

Exercise 2:

1. I can't stand watching horror movies.
2. She couldn't help laughing when she saw the puppy.
3. I can't wait for my vacation to begin.
4. I can't stand when people talk with their mouths full.
5. They can't help their parents with household chores.
6. He can't wait to see his favorite band perform live.
7. She couldn't help herself from giggling during the serious meeting.
8. We can't wait for the results of the test.
9. He couldn't contain his excitement when he heard the news.
10. I can't stand the feeling of being late.
11. We waited in line for hours to get tickets to the concert.
12. She couldn't stop herself from crying when she heard the sad news.
13. He can't stand the loud noise coming from the construction site next door.
14. I can't wait to visit my grandparents this weekend.
15. They couldn't help but laugh at the comedian's jokes.

V. Master IELTS Skills for a High Band Score 

PREP hopes that through the above article, you can understand the meaning, common usages of Can't stand in English, and distinctions between Can't stand, Can't help, and Can't wait. If you want to discover the tips and strategies that top scorers use to excel in the IELTS exam. Our engaging lessons and focused coaching sessions will take you from beginner to pro:

• IELTS preparation course: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!