public censure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public censure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an individual or organization is being formally reprimanded or criticized in a public manner. Example: "The board decided to issue a public censure against the member for their inappropriate conduct during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

When it comes to steroids, public censure and private acceptance have tended to rise in parallel.

The New Yorker

In this context, it's worth noting last week's public censure of Deloitte & Touche.

The New York Times

To escape public censure for these draconian acts, he has chained the independent media.

The Guardian - Opinion

The public censure that followed seemed to some to match Hughes's own intemperance".

The New York Times - Arts

In effect, regulators suggested, the banks became partners in Enron's fraud, and thus deserving of public censure and financial penalties.

The New York Times

But while this is technically possible, given the public mood right now, neither is likely to want to risk the public censure it would bring.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

RPC does not include the number of prohibitions and public censures, they also pointed out.

The Guardian - Business

Apart from some intense public commentary over the merits of these decisions -- three public censures and one removal from office -- these cases had at least one thing in common.

The New York Times

For shame!" The piece is a bravura performance in which Hawthorne at once makes clear his objections to the war and pre-empts the public's censure.

The New York Times

This could result in the senators, who are sensitive to public opinion, censuring or reprimanding Chief Justice Corona, rather than voting to convict and remove him.

The New York Times

By custom, civil servants are protected from public blame or censure for their advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public censure" when you want to emphasize a formal and often public expression of disapproval or condemnation of an action or behavior. Ensure the context involves a breach of expected norms or rules.

Common error

Avoid using "public censure" when the disapproval or reprimand is delivered privately or informally. "Public censure" specifically implies an open and often widespread expression of disapproval.

Linguistic Context

Public censure functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a formal and widespread expression of disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public censure" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that signifies a formal expression of disapproval or condemnation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it often appears in news reports, formal documents, and academic discussions. While alternatives like "public condemnation" or "public reprimand" exist, "public censure" specifically implies a breach of expected norms and a subsequent formal expression of disapproval. Its appropriate use conveys a serious and significant level of public disapproval, making it essential to differentiate from private or informal reprimands. The phrase's frequent occurrence in authoritative sources underscores its importance in accurately reporting situations involving ethical or legal violations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public condemnation

Focuses more on the expression of strong disapproval or denunciation.

public reprimand

Implies a formal rebuke or scolding, often from an authority figure.

public criticism

Highlights the act of expressing disapproval or pointing out faults publicly.

official rebuke

Emphasizes the formal and authoritative nature of the disapproval.

social disapproval

Focuses on the broader societal disapproval rather than a formal act.

popular discontent

Refers to widespread dissatisfaction or unhappiness among the public.

community backlash

Highlights a strong negative reaction from a community.

public denouncement

Implies a strong, formal declaration of disapproval or condemnation.

societal condemnation

Focuses on condemnation from the overall society.

formal disapproval

Emphasizes the official nature of the negative response.

FAQs

How can I use "public censure" in a sentence?

You can use "public censure" to describe situations where an individual or organization faces strong public disapproval for their actions. For example, "The company faced "public censure" after the environmental scandal was revealed."

What are some alternatives to "public censure"?

Alternatives include "public condemnation", "public reprimand", and "social disapproval". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "public censure" and "public criticism"?

"Public censure" often implies a formal or official expression of disapproval, whereas "public criticism" is a more general expression of disagreement or disapproval without necessarily involving formal procedures.

When is it appropriate to use "public censure"?

It is appropriate when describing situations where there is a significant level of public disapproval or condemnation, often following a violation of ethical or legal standards. It is also used to describe formal processes of expressing said disapproval.