criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of expressing disapproval or evaluating the merits and faults of something, such as a work of art, literature, or a person's actions. Example: "Her criticism of the novel highlighted its thematic depth and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In what appeared to be pointed criticism of increasingly firm rhetoric from Cameron on multinational tax engineering, Carr insisted tax avoidance "cannot be about morality – there are no absolutes".

The Guardian - Tech

Fealy said criticism of Indonesia should stick to legalities and flaws in the judicial process.

The Guardian

Damning reports by human rights organisations cataloguing the dire living conditions for many workers tied to their employers by the kafala system and investigations by the Guardian resulted in an international outcry and criticism of Fifa for not doing more to bring pressure to bear.

The Guardian

But Clancy has so far weathered congressional criticism, despite having spent only three of the past 30 years away from the agency while working as Comcast security chief in Philadelphia.

The Guardian

The African Union and most southern African nations have generally been supportive of the vote, but sharp criticism has come from non-governmental groups and western governments including Britain.

The Guardian

Yet there has been strong criticism of Miliband by some members of the Jewish community for his stance on Israel and, in particular, for backing a vote to recognise a Palestinian state last autumn.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an implicit criticism of Labour and the Tories, the deputy prime minister said that the majority of Scottish voters were not yet being offered what they wanted in next year's vote: further devolution within the UK.

The Guardian

He also came in for criticism after quoting Hitler's Mein Kampf at a hustings in order to make a point about the EU being undemocratic.

The Guardian

I absolutely accept that in this industry there is comment and criticism.

The Guardian - Music

The home secretary last hinted at her wish to see the introduction of pre-broadcast banning powers in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich two years ago, when Conservative MPs expressed strong criticism of a BBC Newsnight interview with the radical Islamist activist Anjem Choudary.

The Guardian

The businessman, who in previous years has been critical of the Kremlin and who owns part of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's only independent newspapers, says that "now is not the time for criticism" and has come out in support of Russia's acts in Crimea, suggesting they could be viewed as a "pre-emptive humanitarian intervention".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To write a good argumentative essay, present all sides of the argument without any bias to show that you're credible.

Common error

Avoid making "criticism" without providing specific examples or evidence to support your points. Vague "criticism" can be perceived as unfair and unhelpful. Always ground your "criticism" in facts and observations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "criticism" is as a noun. It represents the act of expressing disapproval or a critical judgment. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts such as "public criticism" and "strong criticism."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criticism" functions as a noun used to express disapproval or evaluate something. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When offering "criticism", ensure it's constructive and backed by specific examples. While "criticism" is a powerful tool for evaluation, being mindful of context and phrasing can enhance its effectiveness and promote positive outcomes. Consider alternatives such as "critique" or "negative feedback" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critique

Refers to a detailed evaluation or analysis.

negative feedback

Focuses specifically on feedback that is unfavorable.

unfavorable review

Specifically relates to reviews that are not positive.

censure

Implies strong disapproval or formal reprimand.

negative assessment

Focuses on the evaluation being unfavorable.

disapproval

Emphasizes the act of not approving something.

adverse comment

Highlights the negative nature of the comment.

expression of disapproval

A more formal way to express disagreement or criticism.

reproach

Implies mild disapproval or blame.

admonishment

Suggests a gentle or formal warning.

FAQs

How to use "criticism" in a sentence?

You can use "criticism" to describe the act of expressing disapproval or pointing out flaws, as in "The proposal faced strong "criticism" from environmental groups".

What can I say instead of "criticism"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "critique", "negative feedback", or "disapproval".

Which is correct, "constructive criticism" or "destructive criticism"?

"Constructive criticism" is intended to be helpful and improve something, while "destructive criticism" aims to harm or undermine. Both terms are valid, but they have opposite intentions.

What's the difference between "criticism" and "analysis"?

"Analysis" is a detailed examination of something, while "criticism" involves evaluating its merits and faults. "Criticism" often includes an element of judgment or disapproval, which may not be present in a simple analysis.