can be criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be criticized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is open to critique or negative feedback. Example: "The policy can be criticized for its lack of transparency and effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pericles can be criticized for not foreseeing this, with the evidence of Samos behind him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He can be criticized for some of his personnel moves as the team president.

The New York Times - Sports

Journalists who are lauded for bravery one day can be criticized the next, when fate takes a cruel turn.

The New York Times

The short answer is that the Senate Democrats have a plan that can be criticized but is definitely workable.

The New York Times

If the candidate has experience in the House or Senate s/he has had to make decisions for each vote and can be criticized for doing just that.

The Economist

There is something that can be criticized about almost every poll: the methodology, the demographics, the sample size, the pollster's history or something else.

The New York Times

"When you have the great honor to have enormous responsibility," he said, "you have to accept that all of your decisions can be criticized".

The New York Times

New York State Council, said, "Our message is you can be criticized in our ads or you can do the right thing".

The New York Times

The blinding of the present study can be criticized.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Like arguments, thought experiments can be criticized in different ways.

SEP

This strategy can be criticized, and our results should be further validated.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be criticized", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis or reasons for potential criticism. Being specific strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "can be criticized", as it can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice to identify the critic or source of criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be criticized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is capable of receiving criticism. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across diverse fields, highlighting the potential for critique rather than a definitive act of criticizing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be criticized" is a versatile and common expression used to denote that something is open to critique or negative feedback. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, most notably in science and news media. It is important to consider alternative phrasing such as "is open to criticism" or "is subject to critique" to avoid overuse and enhance clarity. Remember to provide specific reasons for the potential criticism to strengthen your argument and choose the active voice over passive constructions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is open to criticism

Replaces the active voice with a more direct statement of susceptibility to criticism.

is subject to critique

Uses "critique" instead of "criticism", implying a more analytical approach.

invites scrutiny

Suggests that something encourages close examination, which may lead to criticism.

is liable to be challenged

Focuses on the potential for the subject to be questioned or opposed.

merits disapproval

Emphasizes the deserving nature of the criticism, implying a stronger negative judgment.

is not immune to criticism

Highlights that something is not exempt from being criticized.

warrants questioning

Implies that something deserves to be examined closely and potentially criticized.

is vulnerable to attack

Uses stronger language to suggest a susceptibility to harsh criticism.

may be called into question

Focuses on the possibility of doubt being cast upon something.

leaves room for improvement

Suggests that there is space for negative feedback that can trigger a positive change.

FAQs

How to use "can be criticized" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be criticized" is used to indicate that something is open to critique or negative feedback. For example, "The policy "can be criticized" for its lack of transparency".

What can I say instead of "can be criticized"?

You can use alternatives like "is open to criticism", "is subject to critique", or "invites scrutiny" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can be criticized" or "should be criticized"?

"Can be criticized" indicates possibility or potential for criticism, while "should be criticized" expresses a stronger opinion that criticism is warranted. The choice depends on the strength of your argument.

What's the difference between "can be criticized" and "is criticized"?

"Can be criticized" means something is susceptible to critique, whereas "is criticized" indicates that it is currently receiving criticism. The first expresses potential, the second expresses a current state.