critical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means expressing disapproval or dissatisfaction, and can be used in the middle of a sentence. For example, "He was quite critical of her ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Re "Expert Panel Is Critical of F.B.I.

The New York Times

"Young designers are critical of industrial production".

The New York Times

Journalists critical of officialdom have been beaten.

The New York Times

Both were critical of communist society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Koch was critical of the settlement.

The New Yorker

Ethiopian journalists critical of the government?

The Economist

Green is critical of his own work.

The New Yorker

But they were critical of its results.

The New York Times

He was especially critical of Pakistan.

The New Yorker

They are critical of capitalism, imperialism, globalization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Do not be over-critical of others.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical of", clearly state the object of your criticism to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He was critical", specify "He was critical of the proposal".

Common error

Avoid using "critical of" without providing specific reasons or examples. Unsupported criticism can appear biased or unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of disapproval or negative judgment. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies expressing disapproval or dissatisfaction. Ludwig examples show the usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical of" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to express disapproval or negative judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across diverse contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal discussions. While often carrying a negative connotation, being "critical of" can also be constructive, prompting careful evaluation and potential improvements. Remember to clearly specify the target of your criticism and support your views with specific examples. Consider using alternatives like "disapproving of" or "skeptical of" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hypercritical of

Highlights being excessively and unreasonably critical.

disapproving of

Focuses specifically on expressing disapproval, a key component of being "critical of".

judgmental about

Emphasizes the act of making judgments, often with a negative connotation.

skeptical of

Highlights doubt and questioning, which can be part of a critical assessment.

censorious toward

Indicates a harsh and condemning attitude.

negative about

Simple way to express a negative opinion.

unfavorable to

Suggests a lack of support or approval.

opposed to

Highlights direct opposition or disagreement.

fault-finding with

Suggests a tendency to identify flaws and errors.

nitpicking at

Implies focusing on minor details and imperfections.

FAQs

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

The phrase "critical of" is used to express disapproval or negative judgment. For example, "The reviewer was "critical of" the film's plot".

What's the difference between ""critical of"" and "criticizing"?

"Critical of" is an adjectival phrase describing a state of mind or attitude, while "criticizing" is a verb describing an action. You can be ""critical of"" something internally, but "criticizing" implies outwardly expressing your negative views.

What can I say instead of ""critical of""?

You can use alternatives like "disapproving of", "skeptical of", or "judgmental about" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to be ""critical of"" something?

While often negative, being ""critical of"" something can also be constructive. It implies a careful evaluation, which can lead to improvements or a deeper understanding.