is criticised

USAGE SUMMARY

"is criticised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone has been subject to criticism, for example: "His decision to break protocol was criticised by the members of the council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The education system is criticised too.

The Guardian

The appointment process is criticised by MPs.

The Guardian

His government is criticised for having failed to tackle corruption.

The Economist

The BBC is criticised for setting a bad example.

The Guardian

The Berliner Ensemble is criticised from opposing ends.

The Guardian

"If [the report] is criticised, it will be criticised on the basis that conservation costs money".

Independent

If her image is criticised by someone, how will she cope?

Independent

Even if Mr Greenspan is criticised for his motive, the outcome would be the right one.

The Economist

In fact, Orange M2M is criticised for trying to prevent customers from working with other operators.

The Economist

The intervention is criticised for its paternalism and its racially discriminatory nature.

The Economist

Whereas Dhirubhai Ambani was mobbed by adoring crowds, Mukesh, protected by gunmen, is criticised on Twitter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is criticised" to convey a passive voice, indicating that the subject is receiving criticism from an unspecified source. Ensure clarity by specifying the source of criticism when possible.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive constructions like "is criticised" without indicating who is doing the criticizing. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, rephrase to include the critic: "Critics criticised the policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is criticised" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express disapproval or negative evaluation. Examples show its application across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is criticised" is a grammatically sound and very common passive construction used to express negative evaluation or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. For more direct and impactful writing, consider specifying the source of the criticism, and use active voice constructions. Alternatives like "is denounced" or "is condemned" can provide stronger emphasis when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is condemned

Emphasizes a strong, formal disapproval, often with moral implications.

is denounced

Similar to 'condemned', but often used in public or political contexts.

is disapproved of

Indicates a lack of approval, often in a more personal or informal setting.

is faulted

Focuses on specific errors or shortcomings that are identified.

is disparaged

Suggests belittling or speaking negatively about something to diminish its importance.

is slammed

An informal term for harsh criticism, often used in media contexts.

is taken to task

Implies being reprimanded or held accountable for something.

is impugned

Suggests that the integrity or validity of something is challenged.

is rebuked

Implies a formal or authoritative expression of disapproval.

is censured

Indicates formal disapproval, often by an official body or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "is criticised" in a sentence?

Use "is criticised" to indicate that a subject receives negative feedback or evaluation. For example, "The new policy "is criticised" for its lack of clarity".

What's a more formal alternative to "is criticised"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "is denounced", "is condemned", or "is censured", depending on the specific context and the severity of the criticism.

How does "is criticised" differ from "is accused"?

"Is criticised" implies negative evaluation or fault-finding, while "is accused" suggests a formal charge or allegation of wrongdoing. The first focuses on judgment, the second on potential legal or ethical violations.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when writing about criticism?

It depends on the context. Active voice (e.g., "Critics criticised the film") is more direct and specifies the source of criticism. Passive voice (e.g., "The film "is criticised"") is useful when the source is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the subject receiving the criticism.