being criticized for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being criticized for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or actions for which someone is receiving criticism. Example: "The politician is being criticized for his handling of the recent crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Officials said they were being criticized for following the law.

The New York Times

The wealthy, like Mr. Hoeness, are being criticized for squirreling away money in fiscal havens.

The New York Times

But experts warned that the stamp risked ending up being criticized for legitimizing unsustainable practices.

The New York Times

However, such restrictions are increasingly being criticized for being too prohibitive for socially active and popular users.

Computer Communications

Senator Kerry did years ago, and he is being criticized for it today.

The New York Times

The Yugoslav leaders are being criticized for not defending Serbian territory.

The New York Times

Charities are being criticized for failing to distribute cash fast enough.

The New York Times

People will point it out on social media, and everyone will see that you're being criticized for that misstep.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After being criticized for his treatment of Bebeto, Dunga testily vowed to keep quiet against Norway.

The New York Times - Sports

After the arrest, the police were also being criticized for their handling of the situation.

The Washington Post

At least one judge has reported being criticized for finding too often in favor of defendants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being criticized for", ensure the reason for the criticism is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company is being criticized for its environmental policies" is more effective than "The company is being criticized for something".

Common error

Avoid using "being criticized for" with overly broad or unclear subjects. Instead of saying "Things are being criticized for their quality", specify which things and what aspects of their quality are problematic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being criticized for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of criticism. This structure allows the speaker to emphasize the criticism itself rather than the source of the criticism. Ludwig AI examples show various subjects receiving criticism across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being criticized for" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey that a subject is receiving negative feedback or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While the phrase is often used neutrally, it can also imply a negative connotation. When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly state the subject and the reason for criticism. Alternative phrases such as "facing censure for" or "under fire for" can add nuance to your writing. Avoiding overly broad subjects will further strengthen your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being condemned for

Indicates a strong expression of disapproval, often on moral grounds.

under fire for

Conveys a sense of intense scrutiny and attack.

receiving backlash for

Implies a strong, negative reaction from a group or public.

being blamed for

Focuses on the assignment of responsibility for something negative.

facing censure for

Emphasizes a formal expression of disapproval.

being rebuked for

Suggests a formal and sharp disapproval.

taking heat for

Suggests facing strong criticism or pressure.

being taken to task for

Implies being reprimanded or held accountable.

getting flak for

An informal way of saying someone is receiving criticism.

subject to disapproval for

Highlights the state of being exposed to negative judgment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "being criticized for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "facing censure for", "subject to disapproval for", or "being condemned for".

Is there a difference between "being criticized for" and "being blamed for"?

"Being criticized for" implies receiving negative feedback or judgment, while "being blamed for" suggests being held responsible for something negative. Criticism doesn't necessarily involve responsibility, whereas blame does.

What are some less formal alternatives to "being criticized for"?

Less formal options include "taking heat for", "getting flak for", or "under fire for", which are more conversational and convey a sense of pressure or scrutiny.

How to use "being criticized for" in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly identifies who is "being criticized for" what action or reason. For example: "The government is being criticized for its handling of the pandemic."