intense criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong or severe disapproval or critique of something or someone. Example: "The film received intense criticism from reviewers for its lack of originality and poor character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intense criticism followed.

The New Yorker

Cheung attracted intense criticism.

The New Yorker

Her claim drew intense criticism.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Willett has received intense criticism.

The New York Times

The international court has faced intense criticism.

The New York Times

Weeks later, under intense criticism, she retracted the proposal.

The New York Times - Sports

AT&T eventually relented after intense criticism by consumer groups.

The New York Times - Tech

Rougier came under intense criticism for this verdict.

The Guardian

The intense criticism he's weathered is all but prelude.

The Guardian - Sport

It drew both intense criticism and comparisons to Mary McCarthy.

The New York Times

Nursing homes have long been the object of intense criticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense criticism", ensure the context clearly indicates the target and source of the criticism to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who is criticizing whom or what.

Common error

Avoid using "intense criticism" with overly broad or generic subjects. Be specific about what is being criticized to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The project faced intense criticism", specify "The project faced intense criticism for its unrealistic budget and timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense criticism" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "criticism". It describes a strong degree or level of disapproval. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in English. The examples show how it commonly appears as the object of a verb (e.g., "drew intense criticism") or after a preposition (e.g., "under intense criticism").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense criticism" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe strong disapproval or severe critique. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its validity and usefulness. The phrase is typically employed in neutral to formal registers, often within news and media contexts, to highlight significant negative reactions to actions or decisions. While alternatives such as "severe disapproval" or "harsh condemnation" exist, "intense criticism" effectively conveys the gravity and strength of the censure. When using this phrase, be sure to provide adequate context to clarify the target and source of the criticism, avoiding vague or overly broad applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe disapproval

Focuses on the act of disapproving strongly, rather than the expression of criticism.

harsh condemnation

Implies a more formal and often moralistic denouncement.

fierce opposition

Highlights the resistance and antagonism associated with the criticism.

strong censure

Suggests an official or authoritative reprimand.

scathing rebuke

Emphasizes the sharp and stinging nature of the criticism.

bitter denunciation

Conveys a sense of deep resentment and passionate disapproval.

vehement objection

Highlights the forceful and emotional nature of the disagreement.

outraged outcry

Suggests a public expression of anger and disapproval.

extreme disparagement

Focuses on belittling or discrediting something intensely.

heavy flak

An informal term, implies strong and widespread criticism, often in response to controversy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intense criticism" in a sentence?

To effectively use "intense criticism", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who or what is being criticized and the reason for the criticism. Provide context to enhance understanding and impact.

What are some alternatives to "intense criticism"?

You can use alternatives like "severe disapproval", "harsh condemnation", or "fierce opposition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "intense criticism" and "strong criticism"?

"Intense criticism" suggests a higher degree of severity and emotional charge compared to "strong criticism". The former implies a more vehement and possibly widespread disapproval.

When is it appropriate to use "intense criticism" versus "constructive criticism"?

"Intense criticism" is appropriate when describing severe disapproval or fault-finding, whereas "constructive criticism" refers to feedback intended to improve something. The choice depends on the nature and purpose of the critique.