be criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be criticized' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something being subject to criticism. For example: "The candidate expects to be criticized for their stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, the decision to evaluate a non-selected population of critically ill patients might be criticized.

Critical Care

Would her writing be criticized?

The New York Times

No one likes to be criticized.

The New York Times - Magazine

He should not be criticized for that".

The New York Times - Sports

"Nobody likes to be criticized," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilpon shouldn't be criticized for delivering it.

The New Yorker

They know they will be criticized.

The New York Times

President Obama will be criticized either way.

The New York Times

"We'd probably be criticized for any decision.

The New York Times

Now, I'll be criticized for that.

The Guardian - Sport

And Israel deserves to be criticized for the flotilla disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be criticized", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the criticizing and the basis for the criticism. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be criticized" without specifying who is doing the criticizing. Saying "the policy will be criticized" is less effective than saying "experts predict the policy will be criticized by environmental groups".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be criticized" functions as a passive voice verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of criticism, rather than performing it. Ludwig AI's response confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

45%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be criticized" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that a subject is receiving criticism. Ludwig AI confirms this, supported by numerous examples across various domains like News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, context is key to understanding the severity and source of the criticism. To enhance clarity in writing, avoid vague attribution and always specify who is likely to criticize and why. Alternatives like "be faulted" or "be censured" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be censured

Implies a formal reprimand or expression of disapproval.

be faulted

Highlights the identification of errors or weaknesses.

be condemned

Emphasizes a strong disapproval or moral judgment.

be taken to task

Indicates being held accountable and possibly punished for something.

be reproached

Suggests mild disapproval or scolding.

be denounced

Conveys a public condemnation or strong disapproval.

be impugned

Implies that someone's character or motives are being challenged.

be disparaged

Focuses on belittling or undermining someone's reputation.

be taken amiss

Refers to being misunderstood or perceived negatively.

be denigrated

Suggests a more severe form of belittlement or defamation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be criticized" to indicate that someone or something is likely to face disapproval or negative evaluation. For example, "The new law is expected to "be criticized" by civil rights organizations".

What are some alternatives to "be criticized"?

Alternatives include "be faulted", "be censured", or "be condemned", depending on the level of disapproval you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be criticized" or "receive criticism"?

Both "be criticized" and "receive criticism" are correct, but "be criticized" focuses on the action of criticizing, while "receive criticism" emphasizes the experience of the subject. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "be criticized" and "be critiqued"?

"Be criticized" generally implies a negative assessment or finding fault, while "be critiqued" suggests a more balanced and analytical evaluation. The nuance depends on whether the intention is simply to find flaws or to provide a more comprehensive analysis.