be critical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be critical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to analyze or evaluate something thoughtfully and rigorously. Example: "In your essay, I want you to be critical of the sources you use to support your arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Timing will be critical.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speed would be critical.

The New York Times

We shouldn't be critical.

The New York Times

The next few months will be critical.

The Economist

"That communication is going to be critical".

The New York Times - Sports

"Her condition continues to be critical.

Independent

Suu Kyi's reaction will be critical.

The New York Times

But international cooperation will be critical.

The New York Times

Reinvestment is going to be critical".

The New York Times

Shopping is the time to be critical.

The New York Times

Discipline, though, will be critical.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be critical", ensure you're not just finding fault but providing constructive feedback and offering solutions or improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "be critical" as a license to be unnecessarily harsh or negative. Always balance criticism with positive observations and suggestions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be critical" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, urging someone to adopt a discerning and analytical approach. Ludwig AI examples show it used in diverse contexts, ranging from evaluating situations to analyzing data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be critical" serves as a call to action, urging thorough evaluation and analytical thinking. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used, with examples showcasing its versatility across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase encourages constructive assessments rather than mere fault-finding. When employing "be critical", remember to balance scrutiny with positive observations and aim for improvements. Alternatives like "evaluate rigorously" or "analyze thoroughly" can offer similar meanings while potentially adjusting the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinize carefully

This highlights the act of close examination and attention to detail.

evaluate rigorously

This emphasizes the strictness and thoroughness of the evaluation.

assess objectively

This underscores the importance of impartiality in the evaluation.

offer critique

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the act of providing a critical assessment.

analyze thoroughly

This shifts the focus to the depth of the analysis rather than the critical aspect.

look at with a discerning eye

This emphasizes the ability to distinguish and appreciate subtle differences or qualities.

provide feedback

This phrase is more general, encompassing both positive and negative evaluations.

exercise judgment

This phrase focuses on the application of one's critical thinking skills.

adopt a skeptical view

This suggests a questioning and doubtful perspective.

take a judgmental stance

This implies a more opinionated and potentially biased evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "be critical" in a sentence?

You can use "be critical" to encourage thorough analysis, as in, "When reviewing the report, "be critical" of the data and assumptions made."

What is a good synonym for "be critical"?

A good synonym for "be critical" is "evaluate rigorously", which suggests a thorough and careful assessment.

Is it better to "be critical" or "be constructive"?

It's generally better to "be constructive". While "be critical" implies finding faults, being constructive means offering helpful suggestions for improvement.

When is it appropriate to "be critical"?

It is appropriate to "be critical" when analyzing information, reviewing work, or making decisions where a thorough and unbiased assessment is necessary.