criticism toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"criticism toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It indicates that someone is making negative comments or expressing disapproval towards something or someone. You can use it in formal or informal writing. Example 1: The author received a lot of criticism toward his latest novel for its lack of character development. Example 2: The company faced severe criticism toward its unethical business practices. Example 3: The coach directed his criticism toward the team's poor performance in the last game. Example 4: The politician's speech was met with criticism toward his controversial statements on immigration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Despite mixed criticism toward its gangster-themed lyrics, 2001 received general acclaim from music critics.

Wikipedia

"Any criticism toward his work back then, it was strictly toward the content of his lyrics," Slade says.

The New Yorker

But for the most part the conversation had shifted away from the criticism of criticism toward other, more relevant matters.

The New York Times

That is partly why he has come under fire recently, even if some the contracts inevitably shift the criticism toward Minaya.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither John Pearley Huffman, who reviewed the Accord, nor Lawrence Ulrich, who drove the Altima, could muster much criticism toward the Japanese sedans, so thoughtfully and satisfyingly were their updates performed.

The New York Times

That's why "An Uncertain Glory" directs so much of its criticism toward the "celebratory media," the proliferation of satellite channels and newspapers dominated by breathless gossip about cricketers, billionaires and Bollywood stars and point-scoring among the political elite.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Have we even made a show at all?" Ms. Kujawska cries despairingly in a litany of self-criticism toward the end.

The New York Times - Arts

However, there were a lot of criticisms toward the voice control, which did not work very well because of technical problems.

Clinical interventions in aging

Taking a page from Mr. Romney — back when he was thought to be the undisputed front-runner — Mr. Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania, directed most of his criticism not toward his Republican rivals but toward President Obama, accusing him  of trying to control people's lives through his health care legislation and other federal programs.

The New York Times

This has also been a major criticism addressed toward the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several big investors interviewed over the weekend say they were struck by the harshness of the criticism directed toward the bank's directors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "criticism toward", ensure the subject of the criticism is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "criticism toward" when "criticism of" is more appropriate. "Criticism toward" implies direction, while "criticism of" implies a subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criticism toward" functions as a noun phrase, indicating the direction of negative feedback or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and usable. It is crucial to have the word 'toward' present to indicate the target of the negative judgment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criticism toward" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies the direction of disapproval or negative feedback. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. While it's most frequently seen in news and media, with supporting examples from the New York Times, it also appears in scientific and general contexts. The phrase's purpose is to clearly indicate the target of negative remarks. Despite its correctness, it's important to ensure the direction is properly implied, sometimes "criticism of" may result more appropriate. Be sure to use "criticism toward" when specifying the recipient of the negativity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative feedback for

This alternative phrase uses different words to convey the same essential meaning.

disapproval toward

A more general term indicating a negative sentiment without the detailed analysis implied by "criticism".

complaint toward

Replaces "criticism" with a word emphasizing dissatisfaction or grievance.

remark toward

Substitutes "criticism" with a more neutral term, implying a comment rather than necessarily negative feedback.

condemnation toward

Implies a strong and formal expression of disapproval or censure.

accusation toward

Focuses on attributing blame or fault, a specific type of criticism.

attack toward

Suggests a more aggressive and direct form of disapproval compared to general criticism.

blame toward

Indicates assigning responsibility for something negative, a specific instance of critical assessment.

scrutiny toward

Highlights close examination which might lead to criticism, but is not inherently negative.

concern toward

Indicates worry or unease, which may underlie criticism but isn't explicitly negative.

FAQs

How can I use "criticism toward" in a sentence?

You can use "criticism toward" to show disapproval for something. For example, "There was a lot of "criticism toward" the new policy".

What is an alternative to "criticism toward"?

Alternatives include "disapproval of", "negative feedback for", or "objections to", depending on the specific context.

Is "criticism toward" grammatically correct?

Yes, "criticism toward" is grammatically correct and commonly used, though some may prefer "criticism of" in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "criticism toward" and "criticism of"?

"Criticism toward" suggests a direction of disapproval, whereas "criticism of" indicates the subject being critiqued, regardless of direction. Both are acceptable but convey slightly different nuances.