criticize him for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criticize him for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's actions or behavior that you believe warrants criticism or disapproval. Example: "Many people criticize him for his lack of transparency in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some Democrats criticize him for other reasons.

The New York Times

His opponents criticize him for being vague or unengaged.

The New Yorker

But I find it hard to criticize him for it.

The New Yorker

People criticize him for playing forcefully and strategically, rather than simply applying knowledge.

The New Yorker

But don't criticize him for paying the taxes that the law requires him to pay".

The New York Times

Mbeki has responded harshly when people criticize him for supporting Duesberg.

The New Yorker

Some inside and outside Yahoo criticize him for a slow start.

The New York Times - Tech

"I'm not going to criticize him for not trying hard," Manager Joe Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whoever Bill Clinton's detractors are, they usually criticize him for his personal behavior," he said.

The New York Times

Several colleagues criticize him for the lack of scientific backing for his techniques.

The New York Times

"I listen to people who criticize him for being unglamorous, and I say, 'Who cares?'," Mr. Mulholland says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "criticize him for", be specific about the reason for criticism to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They criticize him for his actions", specify "They criticize him for his handling of the budget crisis".

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences using "criticize him for" in a way that obscures who is doing the criticizing. Active voice is more direct and impactful. Instead of "He is criticized for his policies", write "The opposition criticizes him for his policies".

Linguistic Context

"Criticize him for" functions as a verb phrase used to express disapproval or find fault with someone's actions, behaviors, or qualities. It sets the stage for explaining the reason for the criticism, as shown in Ludwig's examples. It directly expresses disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "criticize him for" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to denote disapproval or fault-finding regarding someone's actions or attributes. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post, demonstrating its wide acceptance in news, academic, and general contexts. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, the act of criticism implies a negative judgment. When employing this phrase, specificity regarding the reason for criticism enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condemn him for

Implies a strong disapproval or judgment, often on moral grounds.

rebuke him for

Suggests a formal and sharp expression of disapproval.

fault him for

Indicates finding a specific error or weakness in someone.

blame him for

Attributes responsibility for something negative to him.

chastise him for

Suggests a scolding or reprimanding, often for a minor offense.

reproach him for

Implies expressing disapproval or disappointment.

censure him for

Suggests a formal and public expression of disapproval.

denounce him for

Indicates a public condemnation, often for political or ethical reasons.

take him to task for

Suggests a stern and critical examination of his actions.

find fault with him for

Focuses on identifying specific flaws or shortcomings.

FAQs

How can I use "criticize him for" in a sentence?

Use "criticize him for" to express disapproval or find fault with someone's actions or qualities. For example: "People "criticize him for" his lack of transparency."

What are some alternatives to "criticize him for"?

Alternatives include "condemn him for", "rebuke him for", or "fault him for", depending on the desired level of formality and intensity.

Is it always negative to "criticize him for" something?

Yes, "criticize him for" inherently implies a negative judgment. If you want to express neutral feedback, consider using phrases like "comment on" or "observe about" instead.

What's the difference between "criticize him for" and "accuse him of"?

"Criticize him for" implies finding fault with something he did or is, whereas "accuse him of" suggests formally charging him with wrongdoing or a crime. Criticism is a form of judgment, while accusation is a legal or moral charge.