cannot be criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be criticized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is beyond reproach or is considered flawless in a particular context. Example: "The artist's latest work is so innovative that it cannot be criticized by even the harshest of critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"This proposal cannot be criticized for harming the broadcasters".

The New York Times

Mr. Zuckerberg didn't create these tax laws and cannot be criticized for minimizing his tax bills.

The New York Times

"A good joke is the one ultimate and sacred thing which cannot be criticized.

The New York Times - Arts

But it cannot be criticized for being relativist, an accusation made in several comments that were posted to my column.

The New York Times

"Those who believe Islamic jurisprudence is a kind of divinity on earth, that it cannot be criticized, or judged by the law, must enter debates with Islamic thinkers and let voters choose," he said.

The New York Times

If self-described feminists choose to wear "excruciatingly high heels" and submit to Botox, Pollitt sees a charade: "Women have learned to describe everything they do, no matter how apparently conformist, submissive, self-destructive or humiliating, as a personal choice that cannot be criticized because personal choice is what feminism is all about".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The argument can be criticized on the ground that considerations of this sort simply cannot establish a universal claim.

SEP

Would her writing be criticized?

The New York Times

No one likes to be criticized.

The New York Times - Magazine

A draw now, I'll be criticized.

BBC

The dependent pain question can be criticized.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be criticized", ensure the context clearly explains why something is beyond criticism, whether it's due to inherent qualities, established principles, or specific circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be criticized" too liberally. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound arrogant or close-minded. Ensure that the subject truly warrants such strong praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be criticized" functions as a passive construction expressing an inability to be subjected to negative evaluation or scrutiny. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided showcase its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be criticized" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote something beyond reproach, flawless, or immune to negative evaluation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its presence spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing, indicating a degree of versatility.

However, it's crucial to wield this phrase judiciously. Overusing it can risk sounding arrogant or closed-minded. Alternatives such as "beyond reproach", "immune to criticism", or "above criticism" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas while avoiding potential pitfalls.

In essence, "cannot be criticized" is a potent phrase when accuracy and clarity are paramount, provided it's applied with careful consideration of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond reproach

Emphasizes that something is so perfect or virtuous that it deserves no blame or criticism. It suggests an absence of any fault.

immune to criticism

Highlights the idea that something is resistant or unaffected by critical remarks, often due to its established validity or authority.

above criticism

Suggests that something is of such high quality or importance that it surpasses the need for or possibility of criticism.

unassailable

Indicates that something is impossible to attack, question, or defeat, thus making it inherently resistant to criticism.

not open to criticism

Directly states that something is not available for or receptive to critical evaluation, often due to its sensitive nature or established status.

impervious to critique

Similar to 'immune to criticism', but emphasizes a stronger sense of resistance or impenetrability to critical analysis.

exempt from criticism

Highlights that something is specifically excluded from being subject to criticism, often due to a particular privilege or condition.

unimpeachable

Suggests that something is so trustworthy and reliable that its integrity cannot be doubted or criticized.

not subject to criticism

A formal way of saying that something is not under the jurisdiction or control of critical evaluation.

cannot be faulted

Indicates that something is free from defects or flaws, implying that no reasonable criticism can be made.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be criticized" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be criticized" to indicate that something is beyond reproach or flawless. For example, "The integrity of the data set is such that it cannot be criticized."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be criticized"?

You can use alternatives like "beyond reproach", "immune to criticism", or "above criticism" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cannot be criticized" or "should not be criticized"?

"Cannot be criticized" implies an objective, inherent quality making criticism impossible or invalid, while "should not be criticized" suggests a subjective judgment that criticism is inappropriate or unfair. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be criticized"?

It's appropriate when describing something that has been rigorously validated, aligns with established principles, or is protected by specific agreements or ethical considerations. For example, "The scientific method, when properly applied, cannot be criticized."