be critical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be critical of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to examine or judge something with a critical or analytical viewpoint. Example: It is important to be critical of the sources you use in your research paper to ensure their credibility and reliability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can criticize his appearance, but you can't be critical of him as a race horse".

The New York Times - Sports

One can't really be critical of Lloyds.

The Guardian - Business

"But I can't be critical of him.

The New York Times

It's easy to be critical of the Australian selectors.

The Guardian - Sport

But Mr. Pachachi can also be critical of American policies.

The New York Times

I don't know why one would be critical of that.

The New York Times

She could be critical of the author's work.

The New York Times - Books

One can be critical of the country while loving it, just as one can be critical of one's wife or husband or lover in personal life.

The New York Times - Arts

That is not to be critical of his performance before the Home Office select committee.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As a high-level player you have to be critical of yourself," Wambach said.

The Guardian - Sport

"The ads weren't intended to be critical of New York City's water supply," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be critical of", ensure your criticism is constructive and aims to improve the subject, rather than simply finding fault. Balance negative feedback with positive observations to maintain a balanced perspective.

Common error

Instead of saying "be critical of the policy", specify which aspects of the policy are problematic and why. This makes your critique more actionable and less easily dismissed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be critical of" functions as a verb phrase expressing judgment or disapproval towards a particular subject. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political commentary to self-reflection, indicating its wide applicability. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be critical of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey judgment or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable, appearing in diverse contexts from news reporting to personal reflection. The usage analysis shows its frequent presence in News & Media, indicating its role in commentary and analysis. While it's a neutral phrase, it's important to use it constructively, balancing negative feedback with positive observations. Alternatives like "express disapproval of" or "find fault with" offer subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances helps in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluate negatively

This is a more direct and less nuanced way of saying "be critical of".

disapprove of

This conveys a sense of moral or ethical disagreement.

object to

This indicates a formal expression of disagreement or opposition.

express disapproval of

This alternative emphasizes the open expression of negative sentiment.

find fault with

This suggests a more specific and perhaps nitpicking approach to criticism.

question the validity of

This highlights a doubt or challenge regarding the truth or accuracy of something.

take a dim view of

This is a more idiomatic expression indicating disapproval or skepticism.

challenge the merit of

This focuses on disputing the worth or value of something.

cast aspersions on

This implies a more damaging or defamatory form of criticism.

scrutinize

This alternative suggests a deep and thorough examination, not necessarily negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "be critical of" to express your disapproval or judgment about something. For example, "It's important to "be critical of" the information you read online".

What are some alternatives to "be critical of"?

Alternatives include "express disapproval of", "disapprove of", or "find fault with", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "be critical of" or "offer constructive criticism of"?

"Offer constructive criticism of" is generally preferred as it implies a more helpful and positive approach, while "be critical of" can sometimes sound overly negative. However, both can be appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "be critical of" and "make a critique of"?

"Be critical of" is a more general expression of disapproval or judgment. "Make a critique of" implies a more formal and in-depth analysis, often in an academic or professional setting.