harsh criticisms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh criticisms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to severe or severe negative feedback or evaluations of someone's actions, work, or ideas. Example: "The author's latest book received harsh criticisms from literary critics, who found fault with its pacing and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Does it make her flinch to read the harsh criticisms she receives by the bucket load on a daily basis?

Independent

Even worse than being out of work was hearing the harsh criticisms of her job and its duties.

The New York Times

But Mr. Codey cautioned that Republicans were in no position to make harsh criticisms or costly demands.

The New York Times

Gurudas Dasgupta, a member of Parliament from West Bengal, offered harsh criticisms in a telephone interview on Monday.

The New York Times

In a conversation three days later with James Pethokoukis, a conservative blogger for the American Enterprise Institute, he had harsh criticisms for the President.

The New Yorker

The South Korean authorities briefed local news outlets about the arrests late Tuesday, only hours after President Lee Myung-bak delivered unusually harsh criticisms of North Korea's leaders.

The New York Times

Since then, the fighting between rival gangs has spread to almost every corner of Mexico, leaving about 1,000 people dead and bringing harsh criticisms from Washington.

The New York Times

They have also ended their harsh criticisms of the government's popular social programs, from subsidized markets, to neighborhood clinics staffed by Cuban doctors, to literacy classes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Harsh criticism.

The New York Times - Sports

The decision was met with harsh criticism.

The Economist

Harsh criticism can still be polite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using "harsh criticisms" on your audience. If you want to soften the tone, consider alternative phrases such as "strong objections" or "pointed critiques".

Common error

Avoid using "harsh criticisms" in informal settings like casual conversations or friendly emails. It can sound overly formal or aggressive. Use more moderate alternatives like "strong opinions" or "serious concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh criticisms" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object or subject of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Examples include: "They have ended their harsh criticisms of the government's popular social programs." or "The harsh criticisms that are expected to be levied against the White House..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh criticisms" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote severe negative evaluations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in public discourse. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, considering its strong connotation and potential impact on the audience. When a less severe tone is needed, consider alternatives such as "strong objections" or "pointed critiques". Remember to avoid overuse in informal communications, where a more nuanced or moderate expression might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pointed critiques

Emphasizes the directness and specific nature of the criticisms.

severe condemnations

Replaces "criticisms" with "condemnations", implying a stronger disapproval.

brutal assessments

Emphasizes the honesty and possibly painful nature of the evaluation.

scathing rebukes

Highlights the sharp and forceful nature of the criticisms.

sharp condemnation

Highlights the intensity and severity of the condemnation.

bitter denunciations

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the criticisms.

damning indictments

Implies a severe and formal accusation.

fierce censure

Focuses on the official disapproval or condemnation.

severe disapproval

Focuses on the negative sentiment and lack of approval.

strong objections

Indicates strong disagreement and opposition.

FAQs

What does "harsh criticisms" mean?

"Harsh criticisms" refers to severe and strongly negative evaluations or feedback, often implying disapproval or condemnation. It suggests a rigorous and often unforgiving assessment of something or someone.

How to use "harsh criticisms" in a sentence?

You can use "harsh criticisms" in a sentence like this: "The new policy faced "harsh criticisms" from both sides of the political spectrum.".

What can I say instead of "harsh criticisms"?

You can use alternatives like "severe condemnations", "bitter denunciations", or "scathing rebukes" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "harsh criticisms"?

It's appropriate to use "harsh criticisms" when the feedback or evaluation is indeed severe and negative. Consider using it in formal reports, academic analyses, or when describing significant public disapproval.