criticize about

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "criticize about" is not technically correct and therefore not commonly used in written English.
Instead, you should use "criticize" as a verb or "criticism" as a noun. For example, "His criticism of the play was harsh but warranted."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

There's plenty to criticize about Saudi Arabia, but this vision of it as a dangerous enemy is way over the top.

The New York Times

Legal bank accounts offshore, there is not anything to criticize about".

Huffington Post

There was nothing to criticize about his performance, but nothing particularly noteworthy about it either.

The New York Times

There has been plenty to criticize about President Obama's handling of the economy.

The New York Times

WATCHING I like documentaries because there's nothing to nitpick or criticize about scenes if they aren't just right.

The New York Times

Surely Frank Rich could have found something better to criticize about the current situation in Iraq than a looted museum.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They were 10 and 12. That's the No. 1 thing I'm always criticized about, leaving young kids unattended.

The New York Times

"But in a fiction class, all the things I had been criticized about came together to create something meaningful.

The New York Times - Books

But Sam Smith has been criticized about authenticity, too.

The New Yorker

"We were criticized about all of the media attention," she says of the press tizzy over her unlikely partner.

The New York Times

The office of the examiner, Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, had been criticized about its handling of organ and tissue donations and autopsies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "criticize about". Use "criticize" followed by the correct preposition, usually "for", to link the criticism to its reason. For example, instead of "criticize about the decision", say "criticize the decision" or "criticize for the decision".

Common error

A frequent error is pairing "criticize" with the incorrect preposition. Instead of "criticize about", use "criticize for" or simply "criticize". For instance, "They "criticized him" for his lack of preparation", not "They criticize about his lack of preparation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criticize about" attempts to function as a verb phrase, indicating the act of expressing disapproval. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage involves using "criticize" directly or with the preposition "for".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind using "criticize about" is clear—to express disapproval—it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests using "criticize" directly or pairing it with the preposition "for" to correctly convey the intended meaning. The phrase appears infrequently and primarily in news and media contexts. It's crucial to avoid "criticize about" in formal writing and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and credibility. Always remember that correct grammar improves understanding and avoids misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticize for

Uses a preposition that correctly connects the verb "criticize" to the reason for criticism.

level criticism at

Focuses on the direction of the criticism towards a specific target.

express disapproval of

Highlights the act of voicing disagreement or dissatisfaction.

find fault with

Emphasizes the act of discovering flaws or imperfections.

object to

Focuses on opposing or disagreeing with something.

take issue with

Indicates a point of contention or disagreement.

denounce

Suggests a formal or public condemnation.

condemn

Implies a strong disapproval or moral judgment.

reproach

Implies mild criticism or blame.

excoriate

Suggests a severe or scathing criticism.

FAQs

How to use "criticize" correctly in a sentence?

Use "criticize" followed by the object of criticism directly, or use "criticize for" to specify the reason. For example, "The reviewer "criticized the movie"" or "The reviewer criticized the movie for its poor acting".

What's a more appropriate preposition to use with "criticize"?

The preposition "for" is commonly used to indicate the reason for criticism. For example, "The team was "criticized for its strategy"".

What can I say instead of "criticize about"?

Use alternatives such as "criticize for", "express disapproval of", or simply "criticize" depending on the context.

Is "criticize about" grammatically correct?

No, "criticize about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is typically just "criticize" or "criticize for".