be criticised for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be criticised for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or actions for which someone or something is receiving criticism. Example: "The company may be criticised for its lack of transparency in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't be criticised for that.

Independent

He cannot be criticised for that.

The Guardian

We should be criticised for that.

The Guardian - Tech

Industrial countries should indeed be criticised for their miserly offerings.

The Economist

He will be criticised for taking the Mail's shilling.

The Guardian

Furyk will inevitably be criticised for what happened next.

The Guardian - Sport

Valverde will be criticised for his defensive focus.

The Guardian - Sport

Downward risk escalators may be criticised for pushing service users too strongly towards less intense interventions, causing neglect.

Social Science & Medicine

Rather, it should be criticised for adopting it in the first place.

The Economist

So the Telegraph can scarcely be criticised for its obsession with him.

Independent

Nor do they want to be criticised for their own contribution to systemic risk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be criticised for", clearly state the reason for the criticism to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The policy may be criticised for its potential impact on small businesses" is more effective than simply saying "The policy may be criticised for".

Common error

Avoid using "be criticised for" without specifying who is doing the criticizing or what specific aspect is being criticised. Instead of saying "The project will be criticised for", specify who might criticize it and why: "The project might be criticised for by environmental groups for its potential impact on local wildlife".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be criticised for" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject receives negative feedback or disapproval. It is frequently used to express shortcomings or perceived errors, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be criticised for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express negative judgment or evaluation, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions passively, indicating that a subject receives criticism. While its tone is generally neutral, the specific context determines the intensity of the criticism. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the reasons for criticism and who is criticizing. Alternatives like "be blamed for" and "be faulted for" offer nuances in meaning, from direct blame to specific errors. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "be criticised for" to convey evaluations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be blamed for

Directly assigns responsibility for a negative outcome, stronger emphasis on fault.

be faulted for

Focuses on a specific error or deficiency, less harsh than "blamed".

face criticism for

Highlights the act of receiving criticism, rather than the justification.

be reproached for

Suggests a formal or stern expression of disapproval.

be condemned for

Indicates strong disapproval, often on moral grounds.

be taken to task for

Suggests being reprimanded or corrected for a mistake or failing.

come under fire for

Suggests intense and often public criticism.

receive censure for

Implies official or formal disapproval.

draw flak for

An informal expression suggesting receiving heavy criticism or opposition.

be called out for

Modern, informal expression indicating public shaming or criticism.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be criticised for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be reproached for", "be censured for", or "be taken to task for". These alternatives convey a sense of formal disapproval or correction.

What are some less formal alternatives to "be criticised for"?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases such as "be called out for" or "draw flak for". These options offer a more casual way to express that someone or something is facing criticism.

How does "be blamed for" differ from "be criticised for"?

"Be blamed for" implies a stronger assignment of responsibility and fault, while "be criticised for" simply indicates that someone or something is receiving negative feedback or judgment. The former is more accusatory.

When is it appropriate to use "be criticised for" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "be criticised for" when you want to indicate that someone or something is receiving negative evaluation or judgment, without necessarily assigning direct blame. It's useful in contexts where analysis or evaluation is central.