found fault with

USAGE SUMMARY

"found fault with" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to criticize/complain about something or someone, and can be used in many contexts. Example sentence: The teacher found fault with the student's essay, pointing out several factual errors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some found fault with their coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Some conservatives found fault with his reluctance.

The New York Times

They have not found fault with this.

The Guardian

But Mr. Schwirian, the mechanic, found fault with the pilots.

The New York Times

Gneshe was choosy and found fault with every man.

The New Yorker

Some moderate Democratic senators found fault with Pelosi's strategy.

The Washington Post

Nonetheless, others found fault with his overall performance as Secretary.

The New York Times

The cellphone industry found fault with the Harvard projections.

The New York Times

And, accordingly, some have found fault with The Martian.

The Guardian - Film

The Stanford team found fault with that approach.

The New York Times

Some NASA officials found fault with his performance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "criticized", "complained about", or "took issue with" to enhance the readability and impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "found fault with" something without explaining why. Always include the specific reasons or aspects that were criticized to provide a complete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found fault with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express criticism or disapproval. It indicates that someone has identified flaws or shortcomings in something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found fault with" is a common and correct way to express criticism or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as academic settings, to point out flaws or shortcomings. When using this phrase, providing specific reasons for the criticism ensures clarity. Consider alternatives like "criticized" or "complained about" to vary your language and enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticized

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing disapproval.

disapproved of

This indicates a negative judgment or lack of acceptance.

took issue with

This implies a disagreement on a specific point or aspect.

objected to

This conveys a direct and firm opposition.

expressed disapproval of

This phrase is more formal and explicit about the negative sentiment.

pointed out flaws in

This highlights specific defects or imperfections.

raised objections to

This indicates a formal opposition or disagreement.

complained about

This suggests a less formal expression of dissatisfaction.

expressed reservations about

This suggests a cautious or doubtful opinion.

identified shortcomings in

This focuses on pointing out specific weaknesses or flaws.

FAQs

What does "found fault with" mean?

The phrase "found fault with" means to criticize or identify problems, errors, or weaknesses in something or someone. It suggests a negative judgment or disapproval.

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

You can use "found fault with" to indicate that someone has identified flaws or shortcomings in something. For example: "The reviewers "criticized" the film, but the audience loved it."

What are some alternatives to "found fault with"?

Some alternatives to "found fault with" include "criticized", "complained about", "took issue with", or "disapproved of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "found fault with" or simply "criticized"?

While both "found fault with" and "criticized" convey disapproval, "found fault with" often implies a more detailed or specific examination leading to the criticism. "Criticized" is a more direct and general term for expressing disapproval.