censure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "censure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the expression of formal disapproval or criticism, often in an official context. Example: "The committee decided to censure the member for their inappropriate remarks during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for all we (and Uefa) might suspect it was an Albanian flying it, without proof it is surely difficult to censure them for it.

The Guardian - Sport

His handling of the failed bid for the Asian life assurance arm of AIG in 2010 prompted calls for him to quit and brought personal censure from the City regulator three years later.

The Guardian - Business

She is working with other lawyers from Belfast, Dublin and London to persuade the European court of human rights to censure the UK over the men's treatment and to officially brand it as torture.

The Guardian

In this context, of the sort of show that GOT is known to be, it seems genuinely odd that, for all the horror of the crime, Sansa's rape has generated such censure, including from US senators.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was sent before the standards board 27 times in his four-year stint on the council, but escaped without censure on all but one occasion, when he compared a council solicitor to a maggot.

The Guardian

Pregnant women with a drinking problem – like anyone with a drinking problem – need support rather than censure.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is one in which the strong dominate the weak by bare physical assertion; one where you prove your sincerity and seriousness by force; one, indeed, where violence is the logical endpoint of censure, the zenith at which true authority is demonstrated.

The Guardian - Opinion

So ministers escaped censure despite the fact that the exam boards had been given to understand that the highest grades must be lowered to prevent the appearance of grade inflation – a clear instance of political interference in the examination process.

The Guardian - Opinion

So does the refusal of the Communists who dominate Russia's parliament to censure one of their number for an anti-Semitic tirade.

The Economist

If the court concurs with their censure, it will weaken the legitimacy of Mr Abe's government at a critical moment.

The Economist

Besides his jokey attempts to shrug off criticism, punctuated by haughty snubs of parliament's censure, he has also until recently done too little to deter those of his supporters who seem prepared to resort to street violence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "censure" as a verb, ensure it's followed by a direct object indicating who or what is being censured. For example, "The committee censured the member."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "censure", which means to criticize severely, with "censor", which means to suppress or delete objectionable material. Use "censure" when expressing disapproval and "censor" when referring to the removal of content.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "censure" is to act as either a transitive verb, indicating the act of formally rebuking or criticizing someone, or as a noun, referring to the formal expression of disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "censure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that functions as both a verb and a noun, primarily in formal and news-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes strong disapproval or formal rebuke. When writing, ensure "censure" is used appropriately in formal settings, and avoid confusing it with "censor". Related phrases like "criticize harshly" or "formally reprimand" can provide alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Its high frequency and authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian highlight its importance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticize harshly

Focuses on the severity of the criticism.

formally reprimand

Emphasizes the official nature of the rebuke.

express strong disapproval

Highlights the act of voicing negative opinions.

issue a rebuke

Focuses on the formal issuance of criticism.

condemn strongly

Implies a severe and often moral denunciation.

reprove sharply

Highlights the pointed and critical nature of the disapproval.

take to task

Implies a scolding or reprimanding.

lay blame on

Focuses on assigning responsibility for a wrongdoing.

voice objection to

Highlights expressing disagreement and opposition.

call out

Indicates publicly criticizing someone's actions or behavior.

FAQs

How is "censure" used in a sentence?

"Censure" can be used as a verb to express strong disapproval, as in "The council decided to "censure" the mayor for misconduct", or as a noun, referring to the expression of disapproval itself, such as "The senator faced widespread "censure" after the scandal".

What's a more informal alternative to "censure"?

While "censure" is a formal term, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "criticize", "reprimand", or "rebuke" for a less formal tone.

What's the difference between "censure" and "condemn"?

"Censure" typically implies a formal or official expression of disapproval, often by a governing body or authority. "Condemn", on the other hand, suggests a stronger, often moral, denunciation, which may or may not be formal.

Is it better to use "censure" as a noun or a verb?

The choice between using "censure" as a noun or a verb depends on the sentence structure and emphasis you want to convey. As a verb, it directly expresses the act of criticizing, while as a noun, it refers to the expression of disapproval itself. Both forms are correct and widely used.