Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
criticized by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "criticized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has received criticism from another person or group. Example: "The policy was criticized by several experts for its lack of clarity and effectiveness."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(8)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Britney and Kevin: Chaotic was heavily criticized by critics.
Wiki
The game's difficulty was also criticized by some critics.
Wiki
The campaign was criticized by many.
News & Media
The portrait was savagely criticized by Parisians.
News & Media
The promotion was criticized by rights groups.
News & Media
"She had been criticized by her peers.
News & Media
We got criticized by the industry..
News & Media
"I've been criticized by George Best before.
News & Media
He was roundly criticized by Latino activists.
News & Media
The video was also criticized by several House Republicans.
News & Media
Ferrari's gesture has been roundly criticized by the Indian media.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using stronger verbs like "condemned" or "lambasted" if the criticism is particularly severe.
Common error
Avoid stating that something was "criticized" without specifying who did the criticizing. Vague attribution weakens your statement and makes it less persuasive. Instead of saying 'The movie was criticized', specify 'The movie was "criticized by critics" for its slow pace'.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "criticized by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received criticism from a specified agent. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where various entities are identified as the source of criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
49%
Wiki
22%
Science
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "criticized by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction indicating the source of criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedic, and academic writing. When using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the source of criticism to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "condemned by" or "slammed by" exist, "criticized by" maintains a neutral tone applicable across diverse communication settings, explaining its versatility.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
condemned by
Implies a strong disapproval, often on moral grounds.
denounced by
Indicates a public condemnation, often for ethical or political reasons.
slammed by
Suggests a harsh and forceful criticism, often in public.
lambasted by
Indicates a severe and often public criticism or attack.
chided by
Implies a mild form of disapproval or scolding, often used in a corrective manner.
censured by
Indicates a formal expression of disapproval, often by a legislative body.
rebuked by
Implies a sharp disapproval or criticism.
reprimanded by
Suggests a formal expression of disapproval, usually by someone in authority.
berated by
Suggests a prolonged and vehement criticism.
attacked by
Focuses on the aggressive nature of the criticism.
FAQs
How can I use "criticized by" in a sentence?
The phrase "criticized by" is used to indicate that someone or something has received negative feedback or disapproval. For example: "The new policy was "criticized by experts" for its lack of clarity".
What are some alternatives to "criticized by"?
You can use alternatives such as "condemned by", "slammed by", or "rebuked by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use "criticized by" or "received criticism from"?
"Criticized by" is generally more concise and direct. "Received criticism from" can be used if you want to emphasize the act of receiving the criticism, but "criticized by" is often preferable for its simplicity.
Can "criticized by" be used in both formal and informal writing?
Yes, "criticized by" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood expression. However, in very formal contexts, consider stronger verbs like "denounced by" or "censured by".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested