finds fault with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finds fault with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing criticism or disapproval of someone or something. Example: "The manager often finds fault with the team's performance, even when they meet their targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An ecologist finds fault with fecundity.

Nature

And he finds fault with the Royal Court too.

The Guardian - Books

Writer finds fault with estimates by insurance companies of high risk customers.

The New Yorker

From that, the impact on wages is worked out.Each side finds fault with the other's approach.

The Economist

And, perhaps surprisingly, that episode finds fault with Pakistan itself, not foreign forces or terrorists.

The Washington Post

A cursory economic analysis finds fault with that argument, considering the censors are already paid to spot offending material.

The Economist

Human rights groups say that its investigations are a sham, and that it rarely finds fault with the coalition's actions.

The New York Times

Just as Gray reacts negatively to the content of "The Second Sex," so, too, she finds fault with the new translation.

The New York Times - Books

No one finds fault with an indebted family that cuts back on spending, makes do with less and works harder to balance its books.

The New York Times

While the piece finds fault with the current administration, the authors acknowledge that the current crisis can be traced to the disintegration of Assam after independence.

The New York Times

Neither finds fault with the fact that both the Senate and House bills as currently written would limit the proposed insurance exchanges to individuals and small employers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finds fault with" to introduce a contrasting opinion or differing analysis, especially after presenting an initial claim or finding.

Common error

Avoid using "finds fault with" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "Fault is found with the report", write "The reviewer finds fault with the report" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finds fault with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of criticizing or identifying flaws in something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use across various contexts to express disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finds fault with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote criticism or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, and writers should consider avoiding passive constructions for a stronger impact. Alternatives like "criticizes" or "disapproves of" may offer more direct alternatives, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticizes

This alternative is a more direct and concise synonym.

is critical of

This alternative focuses on a generally disapproving attitude.

disapproves of

This alternative emphasizes disagreement or objection.

objects to

This alternative highlights opposition or resistance.

censures

This alternative implies a more formal or official expression of disapproval.

denounces

This alternative means to publicly condemn or criticize.

condemns

This alternative suggests a strong and public denunciation.

takes exception to

This alternative expresses disagreement with something, often a statement or action.

picks holes in

This alternative is more informal and suggests nitpicking.

slams

This alternative is very informal and emphasizes harsh criticism.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "finds fault with"?

You can use alternatives like "criticizes", "disapproves of", or "is critical of" depending on the context.

How to use "finds fault with" in a sentence?

Use "finds fault with" to indicate that someone is expressing criticism or disapproval. For example, "The reviewer finds fault with the methodology used in the study".

What's the difference between "finds fault with" and "criticizes"?

"Finds fault with" implies identifying specific flaws or shortcomings, while "criticizes" is a more general term for expressing disapproval or disagreement. The former is more detailed, while the latter is more general.

Which is correct, "finds fault with" or "finds fault at"?

"Finds fault with" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Finds fault at" is not standard English.