critical about

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a negative opinion about something or to indicate that something is being analyzed or evaluated in a thoughtful and attentive way. Example: The professor was very critical about the students' writing assignments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm all for positive action, but there's plenty to be critical about too.

The New York Times

So if models are critical about the photos I've made with them, I show their criticism.

Vice

There's nothing critical about it".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm very critical about my game.

The Guardian - Sport

We're critical about where funding goes.

The New York Times - Science

But very critical about some other things.

The Washington Post

You see, I'm quite critical about trying to improve".

The New York Times

He added: "Are there things to be critical about?

The Guardian - Music

We're critical about what we try to do.

The Guardian - Music

"Most people were critical about the U.S. and supported Snowden.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So is Leni Riefenstahl, concerning whom she did a much-noted critical about-face.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical about", ensure the object of your criticism is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what aspects you are evaluating.

Common error

Avoid using "critical about" without providing supporting evidence or reasoning. Ensure your criticism is constructive and not merely a statement of dislike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes someone's attitude or perspective toward a particular subject, indicating a judgmental or evaluative stance. As shown in Ludwig, this expression is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical about" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a judgmental or evaluative stance toward a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While alternatives like "skeptical of" or "disapproving of" exist, "critical about" maintains a neutral register and appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Remember to clearly define the object of your criticism and provide supporting evidence to avoid overgeneralization and ensure constructive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical of

Focuses on doubt or disbelief regarding something.

disapproving of

Highlights disagreement or moral objection to something.

censorious towards

Emphasizes a harsh and judgmental attitude.

fault-finding with

Suggests a tendency to discover errors or weaknesses.

negative regarding

Indicates a pessimistic or unfavorable outlook.

unimpressed by

Conveys a lack of admiration or satisfaction.

hypercritical of

Highlights excessively judgmental behavior.

taking a dim view of

Implies a disapproving or pessimistic perspective.

questioning of

Focuses on the act of inquiry or challenging something.

expressing reservations about

Indicates doubts or concerns regarding something.

FAQs

How can I use "critical about" in a sentence?

You can use "critical about" to express disapproval or evaluation, such as "The reviewer was "critical about" the movie's plot" or "She is "critical about" the new policy changes".

What are some alternatives to "critical about"?

Alternatives include "skeptical of", "disapproving of", or "questioning of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "critical about" or "critical of" something?

Both "critical about" and "critical of" are acceptable, but "critical of" is more commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, as they carry similar meanings.

What's the difference between being "critical about" and "concerned about"?

While both phrases express a form of attention, "critical about" implies judgment or evaluation, often negative, whereas "concerned about" indicates worry or care without necessarily implying criticism.