be lambasted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be lambasted for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being criticized or reprimanded harshly for a specific action or behavior. Example: "The politician was lambasted for his controversial remarks during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the SNB should not be lambasted for removing the cap.

The Economist

They expected Israel to be lambasted for not taking sufficient care to avoid civilian casualties.

The New York Times

So should the business be lambasted for greenwashing or praised for everything it's doing right?

The Guardian - Travel

If it successfully transforms education in the area, it will be lambasted for having made money out of schools.

The Guardian

In reality, women are much more likely to be lambasted for getting it wrong, regardless of whether they show cleavage or not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Communist Party would be lambasted for propping up the man endangering them.In a blog on the website of Caijing, a Beijing magazine, a Chinese journalist suggested that it was time for China to give up the non-interference policy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Japanese are lambasted for the size of their surplus.

The Economist

Others are lambasted for not getting their 'pre-baby body' back fast enough.

Independent

More recently he has been lambasted for the taxpayers' fortune spent on glorifying his rural homestead.

The Economist

His ministry has also been lambasted for being too easy on Telmex, the giant former telephone monopoly.

The Economist

As Ashe was lauded for grace and dignity, Smith and Carlos were lambasted for their audacity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be lambasted for" when you want to convey strong criticism from multiple sources, often in a public or formal setting. Ensure the context warrants the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "be lambasted for" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight and formality that can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lambasted for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of strong criticism. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used in news and media to describe public figures or organizations facing severe disapproval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be lambasted for" is a passive construction used to describe a situation where someone or something faces severe criticism, typically in a public context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media sources. This suggests a neutral register, suitable for reporting instances of significant censure. While powerful, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the level of criticism warrants its intensity, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternative phrases like "be strongly criticised for" or "be severely reprimanded for" can provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be strongly criticised for

Focuses on the act of criticizing, emphasizing the intensity of the disapproval, and uses more formal language.

be heavily condemned for

Highlights the condemning aspect, implying a moral judgment and widespread disapproval.

be severely reprimanded for

Suggests a formal rebuke, often from an authority figure, focusing on the act of official censure.

be roundly criticised for

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the criticism, suggesting that it comes from many different sources.

face severe censure for

Highlights the consequences of the action, focusing on the negative repercussions experienced by the subject.

be taken to task for

Implies a direct confrontation and holding someone accountable for their actions or inactions.

be rebuked sternly for

Emphasizes a firm and authoritative disapproval, potentially indicating a hierarchical relationship.

be hauled over the coals for

Uses a more informal and vivid metaphor to describe a severe scolding or reprimand.

be pilloried for

Suggests public shaming or ridicule, emphasizing the public nature of the criticism.

receive a barrage of criticism for

Highlights the overwhelming amount and intensity of the criticism received.

FAQs

What does "be lambasted for" mean?

The phrase "be lambasted for" means to be severely criticized or reprimanded, often publicly and forcefully. It suggests strong disapproval and condemnation.

What can I say instead of "be lambasted for"?

You can use alternatives like "be strongly criticised for", "be heavily condemned for", or "be severely reprimanded for" depending on the specific context and the intensity of the criticism.

When is it appropriate to use "be lambasted for"?

It is appropriate to use "be lambasted for" when someone has faced significant public or formal criticism for a particular action or decision. It's best suited for situations where the criticism is widespread and intense.

Is "be lambasted for" formal or informal?

The phrase "be lambasted for" leans towards the formal side. While it can appear in news articles and opinion pieces, it may sound out of place in casual conversation. Alternatives like "be criticized for" or "be slammed for" might be more suitable in informal settings.