criticize indirectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criticize indirectly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a form of criticism that is not direct or overt, often implying criticism through suggestion or subtlety. Example: "Instead of confronting her directly, he chose to criticize indirectly by making vague comments about her work ethic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Optimistic, but not absolutely sure — in part because the governing family has consistently demonstrated that it has no tolerance to being challenged, or even criticized indirectly.

The New York Times

The newspaper further gave one or two premature but ultimately correct intimations of what the judge was going to do, made one mistaken statement of a ruling which it criticized indirectly, uttered a few expressions that implied that the judge did not have the last word and that no doubt contained innuendoes not flattering to his personality.

Cornell University

And while she did not refer to her rival for the Democratic nomination by name, she did criticize him indirectly.

The New York Times

In outlining their proposals, Mr. Hevesi and Mr. Green both criticized, if indirectly, a proposal made by Mr. Vallone to have reconstruction overseen by a city commission as insufficient.

The New York Times

Mr. West sent the scathing e-mail, which was first reported by Politico, after Ms. Schultz, who is also the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, criticized him indirectly for supporting the Republican "Cut, Cap and Balance" plan for reducing the debt.

The New York Times

I would hate to indirectly criticize my friend's parental skills.

The New York Times

Prodi appeared to indirectly criticize the United States' holding of terrorism suspects, saying such efforts must never undermine personal liberties.

The Washington Post

General Clark has also made a new push against his opponents this week, releasing his first commercial to even indirectly criticize them.

The New York Times

He said he had no political motivation for wanting to stay in office, but he did indirectly criticize Mr. Ferrer several times.

The New York Times

While he will not name names, Mr. Bloomberg, in a speech in Midtown Manhattan, will indirectly criticize President Obama and Congressional leaders, suggesting they have behaved irresponsibly and irrationally.

The New York Times

And the report seems to indirectly criticize the Bush administration for failing to match its military effort against terrorism since Sept. 11 with an equally aggressive diplomatic campaign, leaving the United States unnecessarily isolated from its allies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "criticize indirectly" when directly confronting someone could damage a relationship or create unnecessary conflict.

Common error

Be aware that "criticizing indirectly" can sometimes be misinterpreted or missed altogether. Ensure your message is clear enough to be understood, even if it's not explicitly stated. Sometimes, directness is necessary for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criticize indirectly" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing how an action (criticizing) is performed. It describes a manner of expressing disapproval in a roundabout way, avoiding direct confrontation. According to Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct statement.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "criticize indirectly" describes a method of expressing disapproval or suggesting improvements in a subtle, roundabout way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While the phrase is somewhat rare, with a focus on tact and diplomacy, it's best used in neutral contexts where maintaining relationships is important. Alternatives like "imply criticism" or "offer veiled criticism" can provide similar nuances. When using this phrase, remember to provide sufficient context to ensure your message is understood, without causing unnecessary conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply criticism

Focuses on the act of hinting at disapproval rather than directly stating it.

offer veiled criticism

Highlights the hidden nature of the critical remarks.

level subtle criticism

Emphasizes the understated manner of expressing disapproval.

pass judgment implicitly

Conveys criticism through unspoken cues or inferences.

express disapproval subtly

Focuses on the delicate and understated expression of negative sentiments.

hint at shortcomings

Suggests flaws or deficiencies without explicitly naming them.

voice qualified disapproval

Expresses a limited or restrained form of disagreement.

make oblique criticisms

Indicates criticisms delivered in a roundabout or evasive manner.

suggest flaws implicitly

Implies the existence of imperfections without overtly stating them.

impute blame tacitly

Assigns responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing without direct accusation.

FAQs

How can I "criticize indirectly" without being misunderstood?

Provide sufficient context and use clear, but gentle, language. Ensure your tone is constructive rather than accusatory to help the recipient understand your intent.

What are some situations where it's better to "criticize indirectly" rather than directly?

It's often preferable in situations where maintaining a positive relationship is important, such as with colleagues, friends, or family members. Direct criticism can sometimes damage these relationships unnecessarily.

Are there alternatives to "criticize indirectly" that offer a similar meaning?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "imply criticism", "offer veiled criticism", or "level subtle criticism", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "criticize indirectly" always a good approach?

No, sometimes directness is necessary for clarity and efficiency, especially in professional settings where time is of the essence and misunderstandings can be costly. Use your judgment to decide when indirect criticism is appropriate.