condemn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "condemn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express strong disapproval or judgment. Example sentence: The mayor condemned the violence that occurred during the protest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So when a white person holds objectionable views — racism, for example — we rightly condemn them.

The New York Times

It is quite right that PEN should honour their sacrifice and condemn their murder," he said.

The Guardian

The Hebron governor said: "We condemn this crime, this assassination, as deliberate and premeditated murder".

The Guardian

We might have questioned his politics, but we couldn't condemn them.

The Guardian - Books

"Yet, in contrast to the tacit official encouragement of more liberal voices after 9/11, any debate within Saudi Arabia over the role of its official creed in fostering the group's extremism has been timid and largely confined to social media... "The Saudi authorities have been quick to condemn Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I can't understand why leftwing feminists have not come out in their droves to condemn Miliband for going anywhere near Russell Brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We condemn these arrests and call upon Egyptian authorities to release the journalists immediately".

The Guardian

There is no jailbait, there are no girls asking for it – only a culture that would rather condemn short skirts than face a serious conversation about sexual consent.

The Guardian

History will condemn Bush and Blair for their cynicism, he says - "I've lost count of the reasons that the prime minister has given for going to war" – and dismisses Hitchens' "Clint Eastwood" view of the world.

The Guardian

We condemn the current distribution of economic resources whereby only a tiny minority escape poverty and insecurity, and future generations are condemned to a poisoned legacy thanks to the environmental crimes of the rich and powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.20pm BST12 20 Labour's Kerry McCarthy asks if there is any reason why Cameron did not condemn the tax affairs of Tory-supporting Gary Barlow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "condemn" when you want to express a strong, often moral, disapproval of something. Be mindful of the intensity of the word and choose it when the situation warrants a serious judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "condemn" in situations where a milder form of disapproval, such as "criticize" or "disapprove", would be more appropriate. Overusing "condemn" can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "condemn" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being judged unfavorably. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in expressing strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "condemn" is a versatile transitive verb primarily used to express strong disapproval or moral judgment. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "denounce" and "criticize" exist, "condemn" carries a weightier, more formal tone. When using "condemn", ensure the context warrants its intensity to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ "condemn" to report on various issues, underlining its widespread relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

denounce

Similar in meaning but can imply a more public and formal declaration of disapproval.

deplore

Indicates strong disapproval and sorrow about something.

excoriate

Criticize (someone) severely.

criticize

A more general term for expressing disapproval, often less severe than "condemn".

rebuke

Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.

censure

Implies formal disapproval, often by an authority.

vilify

Speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.

reprimand

Suggests a formal rebuke, usually by someone in authority.

reproach

To express disapproval or disappointment.

lament

Expresses regret or sorrow, often implying disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "condemn" in a sentence?

You can use "condemn" to express strong disapproval of actions, behaviors, or policies. For example, "The international community "condemns" the human rights violations."

What can I say instead of "condemn"?

You can use alternatives like "denounce", "criticize", or "deplore" depending on the context and the level of disapproval you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "condemn"?

"Condemn" is appropriate when you want to express a strong moral judgment against something that is considered wrong or harmful. It is often used in formal or official statements.

What is the difference between "condemn" and "criticize"?

"Condemn" implies a stronger level of disapproval and often a moral judgment, whereas "criticize" is a more general term for expressing disapproval or finding fault.