calling criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calling criticism" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to the act of labeling or identifying something as criticism, but it is not commonly used. Example: "His calling criticism of the policy was met with resistance from the board."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I'm sick and tired of people calling criticism of fanatical Islam racist, because racism is about your skin colour and radical Islam is nothing to do with that.

The Guardian - Arts

Ann Romney, who had been engaged in a debate over the role of women in the workplace, was quoted as calling criticism of her as a stay-at-home mom "an early birthday gift," almost gloating about the dust-up.

The Washington Post

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington vehemently defended the team's offensive coordinator, Paul Hackett, on Tuesday, taking the blame for three clock-management mix-ups against the New England Patriots and calling criticism of Hackett "annoying".

The New York Times - Sports

"We support the work they are doing and so we thought we would finally make a contribution to the organisation," he said, calling criticism of the ad "moot", "pointless" and "absurd".

The Guardian

That's a view shared by some of her critics who say she has gone beyond the call of duty in projecting US policy on Israel to became a passionate defender of the Jewish state despite Binyamin Netanyahu's policies, calling criticism at the UN "anti-Israel crap".

The Guardian

"Ozil's international team-mates have closed ranks around him, with former Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng calling criticism of him 'outrageous'outrageous

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The relationship between the two countries "shouldn't be judged by a travel itinerary," Mr. Kahl said, calling criticisms about the president's not going to Israel a "distraction".

The New York Times

He called criticism within the N.B.A. hypocritical.

The New York Times - Sports

He called criticism of the tests "premature".

The New York Times

Regier, the general manager, called criticism of his coach inappropriate and unfair.

The New York Times - Sports

AO Scott also calls criticism an art form in its own right.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calling criticism", ensure the context is clear and that it accurately reflects the act of labeling or identifying something as criticism. Consider whether a more direct verb, like "labeling" or "denouncing", might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "calling criticism" when you mean to describe the content of the criticism itself or the act of criticizing. Instead, use more specific verbs to clarify the action being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling criticism" functions as a verbal phrase, often used to describe the act of characterizing or labeling something as criticism. As Ludwig suggests, while understood, it may not always be the most precise or common phrasing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calling criticism" is used to describe the act of labeling or identifying something as criticism. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that more precise verbs like "labeling", "denouncing", or "dismissing" may be more effective depending on the intended meaning. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. Despite its presence in reputable sources, the phrase's usage isn't widespread, making it somewhat uncommon. When using "calling criticism", ensure clarity and consider whether alternative phrasing might better convey your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

labeling criticism

Focuses on the act of identifying something as criticism.

identifying criticism

Focuses on the recognition of something as criticism.

denouncing criticism

Emphasizes a strong disapproval of criticism.

dismissing criticism

Highlights the act of rejecting criticism as unimportant or invalid.

branding something as criticism

Implies assigning the label of criticism, often in a strategic way.

characterizing it as criticism

Emphasizes the act of describing something as criticism.

designating it as criticism

Highlights a more formal or official act of identifying something as criticism.

construing it as criticism

Highlights the interpretation of something as criticism.

interpreting it as criticism

Focuses on understanding or explaining something as criticism.

deeming it criticism

Emphasizes a judgment or opinion that something is criticism.

FAQs

What does "calling criticism" mean?

The phrase "calling criticism" generally refers to the act of identifying, labeling, or characterizing something as criticism. It suggests a conscious decision to define something in that way.

What can I say instead of "calling criticism"?

You can use alternatives like "labeling criticism", "denouncing criticism", or "identifying criticism" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "calling criticism" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "calling criticism" is not the most common or stylistically elegant phrasing. It is more common to use a more precise verb that specifies the action being taken toward the criticism.

How do I use "calling criticism" in a sentence?

Use "calling criticism" when you want to emphasize the act of someone defining something as criticism, often to dismiss or defend against it. For example: "His "calling criticism" of the policy as 'left-wing tactics' was a way to avoid addressing the concerns raised."