be criticized for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be criticized for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone receiving criticism for something they have done. Example: Many politicians have been criticized for their handling of the crisis.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He should not be criticized for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Wilpon shouldn't be criticized for delivering it.

The New Yorker

Now, I'll be criticized for that.

The Guardian - Sport

"We'd probably be criticized for any decision.

The New York Times

And Israel deserves to be criticized for the flotilla disaster.

The New York Times

"I don't want to be criticized for looking piggy, too".

The New York Times

"This proposal cannot be criticized for harming the broadcasters".

The New York Times

He should not be criticized for doing so.

The New York Times

No president should ever be criticized for that.

The New York Times

"I was telling them we're going to be criticized for not picking a number, we're going to be criticized for not being able to make up our minds.

The New York Times

"To be criticized for that is kind of a dirty dig".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the tone and formality of your writing. While generally acceptable, be mindful of the context and whether a more nuanced or specific term might be more appropriate to convey the exact nature of the critique.

Common error

Avoid using "be criticized for" without specifying the reason for criticism. Vague statements lack impact and can be confusing. Always clearly state what the subject is being criticized for to ensure clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be criticized for" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that someone or something is the recipient of criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from political analysis to scientific discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be criticized for" is a prevalent and grammatically sound phrase used to express disapproval or negative judgment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and applicable across diverse writing contexts. Its prevalence in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its widespread use and acceptability. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate the reason for the criticism to enhance clarity and impact. While alternatives such as ""be faulted for"" or ""face criticism for"" exist, "be criticized for" remains a direct and frequently used means of conveying negative feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face criticism for

Focuses on the act of facing criticism, rather than the state of being criticized.

be faulted for

Uses "faulted" to imply a mistake or shortcoming, rather than a general critique.

come under fire for

Suggests intense scrutiny and often hostile criticism.

be condemned for

Conveys a stronger sense of disapproval and moral judgment.

be rebuked for

Implies a sharp disapproval or scolding.

be taken to task for

Implies being corrected or challenged for something done wrong.

be reprimanded for

Implies a formal or official rebuke for an action.

receive negative feedback for

A more neutral and general way of expressing that one has received criticism.

be blamed for

Places the emphasis on assigning responsibility for a negative outcome, which may lead to criticism.

draw flak for

More informal and suggests receiving intense and often unfair criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "be criticized for" to indicate that someone or something is receiving negative feedback or disapproval. For example, "The company may "be criticized for" its environmental policies".

What are some alternatives to "be criticized for"?

Some alternatives include "be faulted for", "face criticism for", or "be condemned for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is it always negative to "be criticized for" something?

Yes, "be criticized for" always carries a negative connotation, indicating disapproval or negative feedback. If you want to express neutral feedback, consider using phrases like "be evaluated for" or "be reviewed for".

What's the difference between "be criticized for" and "be blamed for"?

"Be criticized for" implies receiving negative feedback, while "be blamed for" suggests that someone is held responsible for something negative. You can "be criticized for" a decision, but be blamed for its consequences.