find fault with something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find fault with something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express criticism or disapproval of something or someone. Example: "Despite the overall success of the project, some team members still found fault with the execution of certain tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It means: to raise irritating and trivial objections; to find fault with something unnecessarily, to oppose by inconsequential, frivolous, or sham objections.

The Economist

I can't believe people would find fault with something that obviously was a thing of great beauty!

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pulling some words out of a sermon from a controversial pastor is really looking hard for something to find fault with Mr. Obama about.

The New York Times

For most people, that inner critic is continually yammering away, looking for something, anything, to find fault with.

University of California, Berkeley

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

Now, who could find fault with that?

The New York Times

What do they find fault with?

The New York Times

Others find fault with her aesthetics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "find fault with something" when you want to express that someone is raising minor or petty criticisms, often unnecessarily. It's suitable when the criticism seems disproportionate to the issue.

Common error

While "find fault with something" is a useful idiom, avoid using it repeatedly in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "criticize", "nitpick", or "disapprove of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find fault with something" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the act of identifying errors or imperfections in something, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find fault with something" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of criticizing or disapproving of something, often focusing on minor flaws or imperfections. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversations, making it a versatile tool for expressing criticism. While "criticize", "nitpick", and "disapprove of" serve as alternatives, "find fault with something" often conveys a sense of being overly critical or focusing on trivial issues. Therefore, writers should use it judiciously and be mindful of the context and intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticize

A more direct and general term for expressing disapproval or pointing out flaws.

nitpick

Focuses on trivial or minor faults; often implies being overly critical.

pick holes in

To find mistakes or weaknesses in something, often aggressively.

cavil

Similar to nitpick, but often suggests raising petty or frivolous objections.

disapprove of

A milder expression of not agreeing with or liking something.

complain about

Focuses on expressing dissatisfaction or grievance.

censure

Implies a formal or strong disapproval, often by an authority.

object to

Expresses opposition or disagreement.

look critically at

Examines something carefully with the intention of identifying flaws.

denounce

A strong and public condemnation, often of something considered morally wrong.

FAQs

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

You can use "find fault with something" to indicate that someone is criticizing or disapproving of something, often over minor details. For example, "It's easy to "find fault with" the plan, but it's harder to come up with a better one."

What are some alternatives to "find fault with something"?

Alternatives include "criticize", "nitpick", "complain about", or "disapprove of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "find fault with something"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that someone is being overly critical or focusing on minor flaws, especially when the criticism seems unwarranted or excessive.

Is "find fault with something" formal or informal?

"Find fault with something" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. It's suitable for most conversational and general writing contexts, but may not be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing, where more direct language like "criticize" might be preferred.