forestall criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forestall criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions taken to prevent or mitigate negative feedback or objections before they arise. Example: "The manager implemented new policies to forestall criticism from the staff regarding the recent changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Presumably to forestall criticism and possible legislation, Moody's and S.&P.

The New York Times - Magazine

Business people say they are canceling meetings left and right to forestall criticism.

The New York Times

As Ellen puts on make-up to forestall criticism of her appearance she remembers countless adolescent battles with her mother.

The New Yorker

The comedian – eager, it would appear, to mend fences after the scandal – has said he would waive any fee to forestall criticism of the proposed BBC3 programme.

The Guardian

Although the United States has vetoed more U.N. Security Council resolutions since 1972 than any other permanent member, often to forestall criticism of Israel, Washington maintains good ties with moderate Arab states.

The New York Times

Wilmers believes, too, that the most angry denunciations of anti-Semitism - while designed to serve the purpose of censorship by those attempting to forestall criticism of Israel - may actually encourage anti-Semitism in the long run.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr Major thinks he forestalled criticism by setting up the Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life in October 1994.In education, Mr Major introduced nursery vouchers, despite the resistance of Gillian Shephard, his own education minister.

The Economist

This year, perhaps to forestall such criticism, it has chosen a master of ceremonies who firmly represents both traditions.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not enough to forestall the criticism from Julius Malema, the portly, improbable, ill-disciplined but shrewdly articulate radical recently expelled from the ruling party.

The New York Times

But the report tries to forestall that criticism by insisting that any new publicly funded institution must include a mandatory sunset clause.Sizzlingly adventurous?

The Economist

On 11 October, in an attempt to forestall such criticism, the Russian defence ministry announced plans to build "a regional environmental centre to prevent pollution in areas where Russian forces are deployed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forestall criticism" when you want to emphasize taking proactive steps to prevent potential negative feedback, particularly when addressing concerns about actions or decisions.

Common error

While "forestall criticism" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "avoid criticism" or "prevent criticism" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forestall criticism" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically modifies a verb, indicating the purpose or reason for the action. As Ludwig AI explains, it is perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forestall criticism" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions taken to prevent potential negative feedback. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and usable. While "forestall criticism" is more formal, simpler alternatives like "prevent criticism" or "avoid criticism" might be preferable in casual contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources and is useful when emphasizing proactive steps to address potential concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent criticism

A more direct and general way of saying to stop criticism from happening.

avoid criticism

Highlights the action of staying away from situations that might cause criticism.

avert criticism

Emphasizes the act of turning away or deflecting criticism that is already coming.

preclude criticism

Suggests making criticism impossible, a stronger form of prevention.

preempt criticism

Emphasizes acting before criticism can even be voiced.

head off criticism

Implies intercepting criticism before it gains momentum or becomes significant.

stave off criticism

Suggests delaying or postponing criticism, possibly temporarily.

defuse potential criticism

Focuses on neutralizing or reducing the impact of possible critical comments.

nip criticism in the bud

An idiomatic expression meaning to stop criticism at its earliest stage of development.

counteract criticism

Highlights taking action to oppose the negative effects of criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "forestall criticism" in a sentence?

You can use "forestall criticism" to describe actions taken to prevent negative feedback. For example, "The company implemented stricter safety measures to "forestall criticism" regarding its environmental impact."

What's a simpler way to say "forestall criticism"?

Alternatives like "prevent criticism" or "avoid criticism" offer more straightforward and less formal options.

Is "forestall criticism" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "forestall criticism" is relatively formal. It's more suited to professional, academic, or news contexts than casual conversation. Consider the audience and tone when choosing between "forestall criticism" and simpler alternatives.

What does it mean to "forestall" something?

"Forestall" means to prevent or obstruct something from happening by taking action ahead of time. In the context of ""forestall criticism"", it implies taking steps to prevent negative comments or objections before they arise.