criticized about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criticized about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when talking about someone or something being criticized or subject to criticism. For example, "The politician was heavily criticized about his stance on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Conan O'Brien, who found great success on Twitter himself as @conanobrien, began the conversation by referring to the site's early days, reminding Stone that the now-lauded company was once severely criticized about its apparent uselessness.

TechCrunch

CEO Jack Dorsey took to the site to retract an earlier statement that Twitter support had left the videos live due to their being "newsworthy for public interest," a guideline it's invoked numerous times when criticized about its decision to leave up presidential tweets.

TechCrunch

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "criticized about", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being criticized for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "criticized about" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The policy was criticized about its impact", try "Critics questioned the policy's impact."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criticized about" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has received negative feedback or disapproval regarding a specific aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, though alternatives may offer greater precision or formality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "criticized about" is a valid and commonly used expression to indicate that a subject has been on the receiving end of criticism. While Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, alternatives like "criticized for" may be more grammatically standard, lending a more polished tone, especially in formal contexts. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media sources. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of criticism. Avoiding overuse in passive voice can enhance writing directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjected to criticism for

Focuses on the act of criticism being directed at someone or something.

faulted for

Emphasizes the finding of fault or mistakes in something.

taken to task for

Suggests a formal or stern reprimand.

chastised for

Implies a scolding or rebuke, often for a perceived wrongdoing.

reprimanded for

Similar to chastised, but often in a more official context.

berated for

Suggests a harsh and prolonged criticism.

lambasted for

Implies a fierce and public criticism.

slammed for

Suggests a forceful and often negative public critique.

under fire for

Indicates intense criticism and scrutiny, often in a controversial situation.

received flak for

Describes negative reactions or strong criticism directed at someone.

FAQs

How can I use "criticized about" in a sentence?

You can use "criticized about" to indicate the reason or subject of the criticism, like "The company was "criticized about" its environmental policies".

What are some alternatives to "criticized about"?

Consider using alternatives like "subjected to criticism for", "faulted for", or "taken to task for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "criticized for" instead of "criticized about"?

While "criticized about" is acceptable, "criticized for" is often considered more standard and grammatically precise. Using "criticized for" can lend a more formal tone to your writing.

Can "criticized about" be used in formal writing?

While understandable, "criticized about" may sound less polished in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "subjected to criticism regarding" or "criticized with respect to" for a more professional tone.