naming and shaming

USAGE SUMMARY

"naming and shaming" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when referring to highlighting and exposing individuals or organizations for behavior that is considered wrong or immoral. For example: "The Prime Minister supported a policy of naming and shaming those responsible for tax evasion to discourage others from doing the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Clearly, naming and shaming works".

The Guardian - Business

So naming and shaming works.

The Guardian

Mr Miliband suggests naming and shaming those who pay less.

The Economist

It also makes extensive use of naming and shaming.

The Economist

Computer security experts have recently started "naming and shaming" the operators of open resolvers.

The New York Times - Tech

Ms Saward added: "It is not about naming and shaming people.

Independent

Then start naming and shaming those chains that are not meeting the benchmark.

Harvard University

Professor Nye calls for creating "a high cost" for an attacker, perhaps by naming and shaming.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some naming-and-shaming is overdue – and probably highly effective.

The Guardian

Both the index and the US reports operate on the basis of naming-and-shaming.

The Guardian

Will naming-and-shaming about paying a fair portion of shared infrastructure continue?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the potential consequences of "naming and shaming", as it can have severe social and professional repercussions for the individual or organization being targeted.

Common error

Avoid using "naming and shaming" as a substitute for proper investigation and legal procedures. This approach may lead to unjust accusations and damage innocent parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "naming and shaming" functions as a gerund phrase typically used as a noun. It describes the activity of publicly identifying and criticizing someone for their actions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "naming and shaming" is a very common and grammatically sound gerund phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is predominantly used in news and media contexts to describe the act of publicly exposing individuals or organizations for perceived wrongdoings. While it can be an effective tool for accountability, it's crucial to ensure accuracy and consider the ethical implications. Alternatives like "publicly calling out" or "exposing wrongdoing" may be suitable depending on the context. Ludwig's examples provide a wide range of applications and highlight its pervasive use in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exposing wrongdoing

Focuses on revealing unethical or illegal behavior to the public.

publicly calling out

Focuses on the act of publicly criticizing or identifying someone.

holding accountable publicly

Stresses the importance of making someone answerable for their actions in a public forum.

openly denouncing

Emphasizes the act of publicly condemning or criticizing someone strongly.

outing and blaming

A more direct and less formal alternative, emphasizing revelation and assigning blame.

publicly castigating

Highlights a severe public reprimand or criticism.

stigmatizing publicly

Focuses on the act of marking someone with disgrace in public.

bringing to public account

Implies holding someone responsible and exposing their actions to the public.

publicly censuring

Suggests a formal expression of disapproval or condemnation.

publicly pillorying

Suggests subjecting someone to public ridicule or abuse.

FAQs

How to use "naming and shaming" in a sentence?

You can use "naming and shaming" to describe the act of publicly identifying and criticizing individuals or organizations for perceived wrongdoings. For example, "The activist group employed "naming and shaming" tactics to pressure the company into changing its environmental policies."

What are some alternatives to "naming and shaming"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "publicly calling out", "openly denouncing", or "exposing wrongdoing".

Is "naming and shaming" always an effective strategy?

While "naming and shaming" can raise awareness and exert pressure, its effectiveness varies. Factors such as the credibility of the accuser, the severity of the offense, and the target's willingness to respond all play a role. Sometimes, it can backfire or lead to legal challenges.

What are the ethical considerations of "naming and shaming"?

Ethical considerations include ensuring accuracy, avoiding defamation, and considering the potential harm to the target's reputation and well-being. It's crucial to balance the desire for accountability with the principles of fairness and due process.