severe criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to criticism which is harsh, powerful, and intense. For example, "The actor received severe criticism from the press for his performance in the latest movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The department has faced severe criticism after several deaths, including that of Keanu Williams.

BBC

This has received severe criticism from animal welfare organizations, forcing several countries to stop this practice.

Animal Reproduction Science

Instead, her treatment has led to severe criticism.

The Guardian

During subsequent decades, however, they encountered severe criticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But "Maternal-Infant Bonding" came under severe criticism.

The New York Times - Health

(2) Boyd's predecessor at the RSC, Adrian Noble, whose tenure came in for some severe criticism.

The Guardian

Trump has come under severe criticism for offensive comments made in the United States about Mexicans.

The Guardian - Sport

Oakland police has come in for severe criticism in recent years.

The Guardian

The case is the latest in which the Priory Group has faced severe criticism.

The Guardian

The district reaction drew severe criticism from State Representative Rick Noriega.

The New York Times

A public inquiry into the Paddington crash levelled severe criticism at Thames Trains.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe criticism", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and reason for the criticism to enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "severe criticism" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for milder terms like "strong feedback" or "major concerns" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe criticism" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "criticism", intensifying the degree of disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard and accepted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe criticism" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes strong disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While adaptable, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context, opting for softer alternatives in informal settings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness and emphasis on the intensity of the criticism, making it a valuable tool for expressing significant disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh condemnation

Emphasizes the act of openly expressing strong disapproval or censure.

strong disapproval

Focuses on the feeling of disagreeing with something or someone, without necessarily expressing it publicly.

fierce denunciation

Suggests a forceful and public declaration of something being wrong or evil.

bitter censure

Implies a sharp and critical judgment, often delivered with resentment.

vehement objection

Indicates a strong and passionate opposition to something.

scathing rebuke

Signifies a sharp and severe expression of disapproval.

sharp reproval

Focuses on the act of gently but firmly correcting or disapproving of someone.

damning indictment

Highlights the idea of presenting strong evidence that something is bad or wrong.

forceful castigation

Implies a strong and public criticism or reprimand.

vigorous opposition

Conveys a strong and active resistance or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "severe criticism" in a sentence?

You can use "severe criticism" to describe strong disapproval or negative feedback, such as, "The new policy faced "severe criticism" from the public".

What are some alternatives to "severe criticism"?

Alternatives include "harsh condemnation", "strong disapproval", or "fierce denunciation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "harsh criticism" or "severe criticism"?

"Harsh criticism" and "severe criticism" are similar, but "severe" implies a more intense or grave nature of the criticism. Choose the term that best fits the intensity of the disapproval.

What's the difference between "criticism" and "severe criticism"?

"Criticism" is a general expression of disapproval. Adding "severe" emphasizes that the disapproval is particularly strong or harsh. Therefore, "severe criticism" indicates a stronger degree of censure than simply "criticism".