I was criticised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was criticised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone has expressed disapproval or negative feedback about your actions or decisions. Example: "After my presentation, I was criticised for not providing enough data to support my claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I was criticised for even agreeing to participate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At my appraisal I was criticised for not bringing in enough black and ethnic minority stories.

The Guardian

"But for a while there, I was criticised as being the vice president for torture.

The Guardian

One of the things I was criticised for in my piece for Futurebook was dismissing poetry.

The Guardian - Books

You also have to remember that two years ago I was criticised by my compatriots.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was criticised all the way through the Mondays for my shit songs.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"It's not important for me if I'm criticised," Mancini said, after television pundits Graeme Souness and Ruud Gullit also accused his side of negativity.

Independent

"I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid.

The Guardian - Sport

(This has changed now. If anything I'm criticised for being too generous. This is something that has happened for what I hope will become obvious reasons).

Vice

"I don't think you are correct saying I am criticising the team.

The Guardian - Sport

I have no quarrel with Coates, who seems to feel I am criticising his work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was criticised", be specific about the reason for the criticism to provide context and clarity. This helps avoid ambiguity and allows for a more constructive understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I was criticised". Instead, specify who criticised you and what the specific points of contention were. For instance, say "I was criticised by my supervisor for missing the deadline" instead of simply "I was criticised".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was criticised" functions as a statement of passive voice, where the subject "I" received criticism. It indicates that the speaker was the recipient of disapproval or negative feedback. Ludwig confirms this is a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Sport

21%

Opinion

16%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was criticised" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that you have received negative feedback or disapproval. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news, sports and opinion pieces. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the criticism to offer context and avoid vagueness. While generally neutral in tone, the overall formality depends on the surrounding sentences. Remember to specify who criticised you and why to prevent overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I faced criticism

Replaces "was criticised" with a more direct action verb, emphasising the act of facing criticism.

I received negative feedback

Substitutes "criticised" with a more neutral term, focusing on the reception of feedback rather than the act of criticising.

I was subject to disapproval

Replaces "criticised" with a more formal expression, highlighting the experience of being subjected to disapproval.

I came under fire

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the intensity of the criticism received.

I was rebuked

Replaces "criticised" with a stronger term, suggesting a more formal and severe form of disapproval.

I was taken to task

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that someone was criticised for their performance or actions.

I was given a dressing-down

Employs an informal expression suggesting a harsh reprimand.

I was censured

Replaces "criticised" with a term suggesting formal disapproval, often in an official context.

I was faulted

Substitutes "criticised" with a term focusing on the identification of faults or errors.

I was chided

Replaces "criticised" with a gentle but firm expression of disapproval.

FAQs

What does "I was criticised" mean?

The phrase "I was criticised" means that someone expressed disapproval or gave negative feedback about something you did or said. It indicates that your actions or words were subject to criticism.

What can I say instead of "I was criticised"?

You can use alternatives like "I faced criticism", "I received negative feedback", or "I came under fire" depending on the context.

How can I use "I was criticised" in a sentence?

You can use "I was criticised" to describe a situation where you received negative feedback. For example, "After the presentation, I was criticised for not including enough data".

Is "I was criticised for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was criticised for" is grammatically correct. The preposition "for" is typically followed by the reason for the criticism, such as "I was criticised for my poor performance".