criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criticized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of expressing disapproval or pointing out faults in someone or something. Example: "The author was criticized for the lack of depth in character development in her latest novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chafee has also criticized Clinton's conduct as secretary of state and her mishandling of the so-called "Russia reset".

The Guardian

McConnell, who faces reelection in 2014 and is being challenged for his seat by Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes, among others, has been criticized in his home state of Kentucky for dealing with Democrats.

The Guardian

While the FBI and other government tallies have long been criticized for underreporting, an admission of the problem at the top levels of US government is swiftly emerging.

The Guardian

Scott Borchetta, the man who helped create Swift's empire, recently signed Maddie & Tae, a cheeky duo of teenagers that reached No 1 last year with their viral protest tune Girl in a Country Song, which criticized country music's treatment of women.

The Guardian - Music

These doctors criticized my 'baseless and relentless opposition to the genetic engineering of food crops', which is another false accusation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He later was criticized for calling himself a Gulf War veteran, despite never deploying overseas during the conflict.

The Guardian

The former secretary of state then criticized the tech industry about its gender gap and poor record of hiring and promoting women.

The Guardian

In a dizzying turn, some Republicans criticized the news media's coverage of Lauten's comments, calling the attention politically biased.

The Guardian

McCain criticized Obama for taking issue with Netanyahu's statement: "The least of your problems are what Bibi Netanyahu said in a political campaign.

The Guardian

Related: My 49 hours in a Baltimore cell – for being a reporter Shabazz has been criticized by many in Baltimore as an "interloper" and "troublemaker".

The Guardian

Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, criticized McConnell's "toxic mix of poor planning, misguided bravado and stunning lack of communication with his fellow Republicans".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "criticized", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific reasons for the disapproval. Providing details enhances the impact and credibility of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "criticized" excessively in passive constructions (e.g., "was criticized") without specifying who is doing the criticizing. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "criticized" is as a past participle of the verb criticize. It is commonly used in passive voice constructions to indicate that someone or something was the recipient of criticism, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criticized" is a very common past participle used to express disapproval or point out flaws. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, the impact of "criticized" can be amplified by clearly stating the reasons for disapproval and specifying who or what is doing the criticizing. Remember to avoid overuse in passive constructions for a more direct and effective writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed disapproval of

Highlights the act of conveying disagreement or dissatisfaction.

took issue with

Indicates a formal disagreement or objection to a particular point.

objected to

Emphasizes a formal or legal opposition.

found fault with

Focuses on identifying specific flaws or shortcomings.

expressed reservations about

Conveys a sense of uncertainty or doubt about something.

rebuked

Suggests a strong and formal expression of disapproval.

condemned

Indicates a severe and public disapproval.

denounced

Implies a public and forceful condemnation.

chided

Implies a gentle scolding or reprimand.

slammed

Indicates a very strong and often harsh criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "criticized" in a sentence?

You can use "criticized" to express disapproval or point out faults in something. For example, "The policy was "criticized" for its lack of clarity."

What are some alternatives to the word "criticized"?

Alternatives to "criticized" include "found fault with", "expressed disapproval of", or "objected to", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "criticized for" or "criticized about"?

"Criticized for" is the correct usage. For example, "The decision was "criticized for" its potential impact on the environment."

What's the difference between "criticized" and "evaluated"?

"Criticized" implies disapproval or pointing out faults, while "evaluated" suggests a more neutral assessment of strengths and weaknesses. One "criticized" the project for its cost overruns, while the other "evaluated" its overall effectiveness.