came under fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came under fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is criticized or attacked, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The politician came under fire for his controversial remarks during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She, too, came under fire.

The New York Times

A passing rickshaw also came under fire.

The New York Times

The forces immediately came under fire.

The New York Times

It, too, came under fire.

The New York Times

Without warning, the car came under fire.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama, in particular, came under fire.

The New York Times

The "women's ministry" soon came under fire.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Macedonian television crew came under fire.

The New York Times

They immediately came under fire from Akha.

The New Yorker

Mr Gove came under fire again last night.

Independent

First the police came under fire from BIFF fighters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came under fire" when you want to convey that a person, idea, or entity faced strong criticism or attack, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context aligns with the level of intensity the phrase implies.

Common error

Avoid using "came under fire" for minor disagreements or light critiques. The phrase suggests a significant level of opposition or censure; using it for trivial matters weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came under fire" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject experienced strong criticism or attack. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase often implies a situation of conflict or intense scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came under fire" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe situations where someone or something faces strong criticism or attack. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use. When using the phrase, ensure that the intensity of the criticism or attack aligns with the gravity implied by the phrase to maintain accuracy and impact. While alternatives exist, "came under fire" distinctly conveys a sense of direct opposition or censure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faced criticism

Focuses on the act of being criticized rather than a direct attack.

was criticized

A more passive way of saying that someone received criticism.

was attacked

Emphasizes a more direct and aggressive form of opposition.

received flak

An informal term suggesting strong criticism, often unexpectedly.

was subjected to scrutiny

Highlights detailed examination and potential fault-finding.

drew condemnation

Indicates a strong expression of disapproval, often public.

met with disapproval

A milder form of expressing disagreement or criticism.

ignited controversy

Indicates that the topic caused argument or public disagreement.

was challenged

Focuses on the act of being questioned or disputed.

endured backlash

Highlights a strong, often negative reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "came under fire" in a sentence?

Use "came under fire" to indicate that someone or something faced strong criticism or attack. For example: "The politician "came under fire" for his controversial statements."

What are some alternatives to "came under fire"?

Alternatives include "faced criticism", "was attacked", or "received flak". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the criticism or attack.

Is it correct to use "come under fire" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "came under fire" is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone or something faces strong criticism or scrutiny, even if there is no literal firing of weapons.

What's the difference between "came under fire" and "was criticized"?

"Came under fire" implies a more intense and potentially unexpected attack or criticism, whereas "was criticized" is a more general and neutral term for receiving negative feedback.