decidedly critical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decidedly critical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong or clear critical stance on a subject or issue. Example: "The report was decidedly critical of the company's management practices, highlighting several areas for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Gordon has done decidedly critical stories.

The New York Times

After months of largely avoiding head-on partisan attacks on individual Democrats, President Bush has taken a starring role in a new, decidedly critical advertisement that is running in the states of five Democratic senators who voted against his economic stimulus package.

The New York Times

The reception of the two later instalments, Stigma and The Ice House, was decidedly critical.

Wikipedia

Salaita, whose work includes books decidedly critical of Israel, including the 2011 "Israel's Dead Soul," joined the debate over that conflict via very strongly worded tweets.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Other reviews were decidedly more critical.

Wikipedia

For one thing, "Casper" (1995) was decidedly not a critical success.

The New York Times

The president's relationship with financial executives has been decidedly chilly after some critical comments about bankers and the administration's push on financial regulation.

The New York Times

The critical mass of decidedly mundane pictures gave them their allure.

The New York Times - Books

The San Francisco Opera presented the premiere in 1998, and though audiences over all were excited, the critical reaction was decidedly mixed.

The New York Times - Arts

Her latest novel, The Cleft (2007), a pre-historical fable which depicts women as slothful and complacent and men as adventurous innovators, was greeted with horror by sections of her fan base, while its critical reception was decidedly mixed.

The Guardian - Books

In contrast to these critical attitudes, a decidedly pro-Avicennian camp is represented by a network of scholars encompassing at least three generations of school members and students who explicitly connected themselves with Avicenna's teaching.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "decidedly critical" is appropriate in formal and professional writing where a clear, unambiguous stance is required.

Common error

Avoid using "decidedly critical" in casual or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation or less formal written communication. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very critical" or "clearly critical" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decidedly critical" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or subject to express a strong and clear negative evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as demonstrated in examples where it emphasizes a "critical" stance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decidedly critical" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong and clear negative evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms that it emphasizes a critical stance. It is most frequently found in news and media, wiki and scientific contexts, and carries a neutral but slightly formal tone. Alternatives include phrases like "certainly critical" and "clearly critical". When using this phrase, it is best practice to reserve it for formal and professional settings to maintain appropriate register, while avoiding overuse in informal conversations. The available examples show that this is a useful and appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly critical

Emphasizes the certainty or lack of doubt regarding the critical nature of something.

undoubtedly critical

Stresses the lack of doubt or question about the critical assessment.

clearly critical

Highlights the clarity and obviousness of the critical perspective.

markedly critical

Indicates that the critical aspect is noticeably or significantly apparent.

strongly critical

Conveys a high degree of intensity in the critical evaluation.

patently critical

Suggests that the critical nature is easily recognized and undeniable.

emphatically critical

Emphasizes the critical viewpoint in a forceful and unambiguous way.

distinctly critical

Indicates a clear and easily perceptible critical stance.

unquestionably critical

Highlights that the critical analysis is not open to dispute or debate.

decisively critical

Implies the critical viewpoint has a strong, influential effect.

FAQs

What does "decidedly critical" mean?

The phrase "decidedly critical" means expressing a strong and clear disapproval or negative judgment. It indicates a firm and unambiguous critical stance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "decidedly critical"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, professional reports, and academic analyses where a strong, clear, and unambiguous critical assessment is needed. It may sound overly formal in casual settings.

What are some alternatives to "decidedly critical"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly critical", "clearly critical", or "strongly critical" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "decidedly critical" formal or informal?

"Decidedly critical" leans toward the formal side. While grammatically correct and understandable, simpler phrases may be more appropriate for informal contexts.