find fault with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find fault with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express criticism of someone or something. For example, "The teacher found fault with the student's approach to the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both sides will find fault with the committee's findings.

The Guardian

I can't find fault with that.

The New York Times

Second, we find fault with them.

The New York Times - Health

Hard to find fault with that.

The New York Times

It's easy to find fault with omissions.

The New York Times - Books

Others find fault with her aesthetics.

The New York Times

What do they find fault with?

The New York Times

Now, who could find fault with that?

The New York Times

"I don't find fault with Mayor Conkey.

The New York Times

But doctrinaire Democrats can find fault with all these achievements.

The Economist

Quibbles aside, who could find fault with these chivalrous folk?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when deciding to use "find fault with". In some situations, a more diplomatic approach may be more effective.

Common error

While appropriate in formal settings, repeatedly using "find fault with" in casual conversation can sound overly critical and may strain relationships. Opt for softer alternatives like "didn't quite like" or "had some concerns about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find fault with" functions as a verb phrase used to express disapproval or criticism towards someone or something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used in written English. It directly conveys the action of identifying and highlighting flaws or imperfections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find fault with" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that conveys the act of criticizing or identifying flaws. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed correct and suitable for written English, commonly employed to express negative evaluations across varied contexts. While primarily found in news, scientific, and formal business domains, its register is generally neutral. Due to its critical undertones, opting for less direct alternatives might be advantageous depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticize

This is a direct and general term for expressing disapproval or pointing out flaws.

nitpick

This implies focusing on minor or trivial faults.

complain about

This suggests expressing dissatisfaction or grievance.

denounce

This implies strong public condemnation.

censure

This refers to formal disapproval.

object to

This indicates expressing opposition or disagreement.

disapprove of

This suggests holding a negative opinion.

take exception to

This implies objecting to something specific.

raise objections to

This involves formally expressing disagreement.

cavil

This implies raising petty or frivolous objections.

FAQs

How can I use "find fault with" in a sentence?

You can use "find fault with" to indicate criticism. For example, "Critics often "find fault with" the movie's ending."

What are some alternatives to "find fault with"?

Alternatives include "criticize", "complain about", or "object to" depending on the context.

Is it better to "find fault with" or "offer constructive criticism"?

While "find fault with" implies identifying flaws, "offer constructive criticism" suggests providing feedback aimed at improvement. The latter is generally more positive and helpful.

What's the difference between "find fault with" and "nitpick"?

"Find fault with" is a general term for criticizing, while "nitpick" suggests focusing on minor or trivial faults.