severe criticisms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe criticisms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strong or harsh critiques of a person, idea, or work. Example: "The author faced severe criticisms for the controversial themes presented in her latest novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Your letters, so few and far between, are always very welcome; even if, as in this last one, they contain severe criticisms.

The New Yorker

Vaz referred to Parker's claim that the Guardian had gifted the terrorists the ability to attack at will, saying "this is severe criticisms of a kind I have not seen before from the head of our security services".

The Guardian

The announcement is the first clear indication that the Bush administration intends to put substantial financial support behind its response to severe criticisms of an earlier federal study that suffered from a lack of resources and authority.

The New York Times

Attracting severe criticisms of his "Walpolean" vision, Hamilton developed the "infant industry" argument, namely, that the government of an economically backward nation – like the US then or Britain earlier – should protect and nurture its industries until they "grow up".

The Guardian - Opinion

She said she had studied race and gender politics at her notoriously liberal alma mater, Oberlin College, and that defending more severe criticisms about the portrayal of race on the show is a losing battle.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Senior figures from Labour and the Scottish National party are considering calls for legal action against Tony Blair if the former prime minister faces severe criticisms from the long-awaited inquiry into the war in Iraq.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

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

BBC

However, a short while later it was once more put on hold following severe criticism from Boris Yeltsin and several pro-Gorbachev intellectuals.

Wikipedia

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

Animal Reproduction Science

Like several other charities, the Sept. 11 Fund has faced severe criticism from some victims' families for not distributing donations more quickly and with less paperwork.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe criticisms", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and target of the criticism for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid unnecessary adverbs (e.g., 'very', 'extremely') before "severe criticisms" as they can weaken the impact. Let the severity speak for itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe criticisms" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'faced severe criticisms') or the subject when discussing negative evaluations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and reflected in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe criticisms" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote strong disapproval or negative judgments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various contexts. While not as common as other similar expressions, its usage is prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of the criticism is clear and avoid redundant intensifiers. For alternative expressions, consider "harsh condemnations" or "strong objections", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh condemnations

Emphasizes a strong and often public expression of disapproval.

strong objections

Focuses on expressing disagreement or opposition with considerable force.

bitter denunciations

Highlights the resentful and accusatory nature of the criticisms.

fierce rebukes

Implies sharp and stern disapproval, often from a position of authority.

scathing indictments

Suggests a formal accusation or strong condemnation of something.

pointed critiques

Emphasizes the direct and specific nature of the criticisms.

damning assessments

Highlights that the criticisms lead to a negative judgment or conclusion.

heavy censure

Focuses on the formal expression of disapproval or blame.

sharp reprimands

Indicates a formal and strong expression of disapproval, often for misconduct.

major fault-finding

Concentrates on the act of identifying numerous faults or errors.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe criticisms" to describe strong disapproval, like: "The policy faced "severe criticisms" from environmental groups."

What are some alternatives to "severe criticisms"?

Alternatives include "harsh condemnations", "strong objections", or "pointed critiques", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very severe criticisms"?

Yes, using "very" before "severe criticisms" can be redundant. "Severe" already implies a high degree of intensity, so "severe criticisms" is usually sufficient.

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

"Severe criticisms" indicates strong disapproval and fault-finding, while "constructive criticism" offers suggestions for improvement. The former focuses on flaws, while the latter aims to guide positive change.