a pointed criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pointed criticism" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to emphasize that a criticism or remark is very direct and clear. Example: Her supervisor's pointed criticism of her work made her realize she had to make more of an effort.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some were seemingly intentional, like a pointed criticism of China and India.

The New York Times

"I don't want to be the leader that plays into David Cameron or George Osborne's hands," she said in a pointed criticism of Mr Miliband's strategy.

Independent

Thus, when Mr. Gore visited a North Carolina school recently, he ended the day with a pointed criticism of school vouchers.

The New York Times

In a pointed criticism of Arab leaders, one he has already made, he added, "Those who supported this regime are now witnessing the monster that they enabled".

The New York Times

"I didn't bring you rice or cooking oil because votes cannot be bought," he said, in a pointed criticism of President Fujimori's campaign tactics, before a screaming crowd of 25,000 in the agricultural center of Ica last Friday night.

The New York Times

In 2009, when Moscow was hosting – a year after after the Russia-Georgia war – Georgia withdrew its entry after the organisers told it to change the lyrics and title of its song We Don't Wanna Put In after it was perceived as too much of a pointed criticism of Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mathias Risse offers an even more pointed criticism, pointing out that the usual baseline for causation to be ascribed to an interaction is the expectations that would hold in the absence of such interaction (Risse 2005).

SEP

Still, I read a rather pointed criticism of my spending habits in his anticatalog crusade.

The New York Times

In a particularly pointed criticism, the report said private investors seemed to have received much better terms on their investments in troubled financial institutions than the government had.

The New York Times

In a more pointed criticism of Iran than usual, the IAEA says the delay "reduces the level of confidence in the absence of other nuclear facilities under construction and gives rise to questions about whether there were any other nuclear facilities not declared to the agency".

The Guardian

Mr. Ahn's interviews, and the lectures that until recently he gave on campuses across South Korea, reveal Mr. Ahn to be not only a mentor whose talks have inspired younger Koreans, but a social critic whose pointed criticism of the country's big businesses has struck a deep chord.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pointed criticism" when you want to convey that a criticism is direct, intentional, and not subtle. It suggests a clear and unmistakable expression of disapproval.

Common error

While "a pointed criticism" is appropriate for formal or semi-formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler phrases may be more suitable for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pointed criticism" functions as a noun phrase, where "pointed" modifies the noun "criticism". It describes a specific type of criticism characterized by its directness and clarity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe reactions to policies, actions, or statements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pointed criticism" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid expression used to describe a direct and intentional expression of disapproval. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for formal and semi-formal contexts, appearing most frequently in News & Media. While not exceptionally common, it is well-understood and conveys a clear message. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a direct form of critique. Alternatives like "a sharp rebuke" or "a direct censure" may offer subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp rebuke

Emphasizes the forceful and direct nature of the disapproval.

a direct censure

Focuses on the official or formal expression of strong disapproval.

a stinging indictment

Highlights the damaging and accusatory aspect of the criticism.

a scathing assessment

Stresses the severely critical and often harsh nature of the evaluation.

a blistering critique

Implies an intensely forceful and passionate form of critical analysis.

a trenchant observation

Highlights the incisive and penetrating quality of the critical remark.

a forceful condemnation

Underscores the strong and emphatic rejection or disapproval.

a clear disapproval

Focuses on the unambiguous expression of negative sentiment.

an explicit disparagement

Emphasizes the overt and unambiguous belittling or denigration.

a frank objection

Stresses the honesty and openness of the expression of disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a pointed criticism" in a sentence?

You can use "a pointed criticism" to describe a direct and clear expression of disapproval. For example, "The senator delivered "a pointed criticism" of the government's new policy".

What's the difference between "a pointed criticism" and "a sharp criticism"?

"A pointed criticism" suggests intention and directness, while "a sharp criticism" implies severity and impact. Both convey disapproval, but "pointed" highlights the deliberate nature of the criticism.

What are some alternatives to "a pointed criticism"?

Alternatives include "a sharp rebuke", "a direct censure", or "a stinging indictment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a pointed criticism" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a pointed criticism" is well-suited for formal writing as it conveys a clear and intentional expression of disapproval in a professional manner.