be slammed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be slammed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is being criticized or reprimanded for something they have done or said. Example: "The politician was slammed for his controversial remarks during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There are many, many things about its behavior during the housing bubble and the financial crisis that Wall Street should be slammed for.

The New Yorker

But they are also worried that if they turn microfinance into a real business, they will be slammed for profiteering from the poor.

The Economist

Nor should India's conglomerates, particularly family-owned ones, be slammed for rigging markets, as they are said to in other countries such as Mexico and Israel.

The Economist

Would a male artist be slammed for championing work over family?

Huffington Post

The significance of this concession will unfortunately be fought over in the usual, vitriolic way -- and I fully expect to be slammed for even raising these questions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now they are being slammed for showing some backbone and for being right.

The Economist

IT wasn't the first time the fashion industry was slammed for extreme Photoshopping.

The New York Times

These unworthies were slammed for their books, which he declared "rubbish" and "awful".

The New York Times

But it was slammed for being a "lazy, tasteless" sketch by some - with others comparing it to a minstrel show.

Independent

Chipotle, despite its reputation as a great communicator, has been slammed for being sluggish with its response to the crisis.

Independent

Last year, Asda was slammed for selling "mental patient" fancy dress costumes for Halloween.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be slammed for" when you want to emphasize the intensity and forcefulness of the criticism. It suggests a strong negative reaction to someone's actions or words.

Common error

While "be slammed for" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound sensationalist or biased, especially in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more neutral phrases like "be criticized for" or "face scrutiny for" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be slammed for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of strong criticism. As noted by Ludwig AI, the structure follows standard grammar rules. The examples show its usage across various media to highlight public disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be slammed for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote strong criticism. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, emphasizing the intensity and public nature of the disapproval. While effective in conveying strong negative reactions, it's advisable to use more neutral alternatives like "be criticized for" in formal writing to maintain a balanced tone. The phrase's strong connotation makes it suitable for highlighting controversies and public reactions, but careful consideration of the context is essential to avoid sensationalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be criticized for

Direct synonym focusing on the act of expressing disapproval.

be condemned for

Stronger term indicating severe disapproval and judgment.

be rebuked for

Formal term suggesting a sharp disapproval or scolding.

face backlash for

Focuses on the negative reaction from a group or the public.

draw flak for

Informal term emphasizing the intensity and unpleasantness of criticism.

come under fire for

Highlights the sustained and intense nature of the criticism.

be taken to task for

Formal phrase implying a detailed and often stern examination of faults.

receive censure for

Focuses on formal disapproval, often from an authority.

be taken amiss for

Emphasizes the negative reception or misunderstanding of an action.

be reprimanded for

Highlights the formal act of being corrected or disciplined.

FAQs

What does "be slammed for" mean?

The phrase "be slammed for" means to be heavily criticized or strongly reprimanded for something. It suggests a forceful and often public expression of disapproval.

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

You can use alternatives like "be criticized for", "face backlash for", or "be condemned for" depending on the context and the intensity of the criticism.

Is it appropriate to use "be slammed for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "be slammed for" is generally more suited for informal or news-oriented writing. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "be criticized for" or "be taken to task for".

How is "be slammed for" different from "be criticized for"?

"Be slammed for" implies a stronger and more forceful criticism than "be criticized for". "Be slammed for" suggests a harsh and often public reprimand, while "be criticized for" is a more general term for expressing disapproval.