has come under fire

USAGE SUMMARY

"has come under fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean that someone or something has become the target of criticism or disapproval. For example: "The mayor's controversial plan to redevelop the waterfront has come under fire from local residents".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Twitter has come under fire.

The New York Times

Ofsted's impartiality has come under fire.

The Guardian

Mr. Loeb, especially, has come under fire.

The New York Times - Style

But he has come under fire for his personal failings.

The Economist

But it has come under fire lately over corruption scandals.

The New York Times

Value Line's management has come under fire before.

The New York Times

This is not the first time the publication has come under fire over race-related issues.

The New York Times

Nocsae, an industry-supported association, has come under fire for not establishing more rigorous safety standards.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not the first time that the industry has come under fire.

The New York Times

JPMorgan has come under fire for failing to identify the risks associated with the huge bet.

The New York Times

The F.B.I.'s handling of the Boston case has come under fire from some in Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has come under fire", ensure that the reason for the criticism is clear to the reader. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has come under fire" without specifying the source or nature of the criticism. Vague statements weaken the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has come under fire" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject has become the target of criticism or strong disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. It's primarily used to convey that someone or something is facing scrutiny, as demonstrated in numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has come under fire" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression indicating strong criticism or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for general use. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, as supported by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples. While typically neutral in tone, the phrase conveys a negative sentiment toward the subject being discussed. To avoid vagueness, it's best practice to specify the source and nature of the criticism. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "faced criticism", "been subjected to scrutiny", or "received backlash" to convey similar meanings with different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faced criticism

Focuses on the act of facing critique rather than being targeted by it.

been subjected to scrutiny

Emphasizes the detailed and critical examination experienced.

drawn flak

An informal term suggesting strong criticism, similar to anti-aircraft fire.

received backlash

Highlights the negative reaction received, often from a public audience.

met with disapproval

Indicates a lack of acceptance or agreement, often from an authority or group.

been the target of condemnation

Emphasizes a strong expression of disapproval or censure.

incited controversy

Focuses on the act of stirring up disagreement or debate.

been challenged

Highlights the act of questioning or disputing something.

provoked outrage

Indicates a strong emotional response of anger or indignation.

garnered negative attention

Focuses on the attraction of unfavorable focus or observation.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has come under fire"?

When something "has come under fire", it means it has become the subject of strong criticism or opposition. It implies that someone or something is facing scrutiny and disapproval.

What can I say instead of "has come under fire"?

You can use alternatives like "faced criticism", "been subjected to scrutiny", or "received backlash" depending on the context.

How to use "has come under fire" in a sentence?

You can use "has come under fire" to indicate that a person, policy, or organization is facing significant criticism. For example, "The company's new policy has come under fire from employees".

What's the difference between "has come under fire" and "has been criticized"?

"Has come under fire" often implies a more intense or widespread level of criticism than "has been criticized". While both indicate disapproval, "has come under fire" suggests a more active and potentially damaging situation.