severely criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severely criticized" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to strongly condemn or disapprove of something or someone. Example: The politician was severely criticized for his controversial remarks on immigration. In this sentence, "severely criticized" indicates that the politician faced a significant amount of criticism for their statements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resulting lack of critical guidelines is severely criticized in the recent report by the Independent Investigation Commission.

The New York Times

Later, mercantilism was severely criticized.

Britannica

No modern encyclical has ever been so severely criticized.

The New Yorker

"I was severely criticized by other Republicans for being disloyal.

The New York Times

President Clinton has been severely criticized for not responding forcefully.

The New York Times

The report was severely criticized, and the last two recommendations had to be dropped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, monasticism as a way of life was severely criticized by the Qurʾān.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The imperial attack on images was severely criticized in the West.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also severely criticized the worldliness and corruption of the Catholic Church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Sunday in the Park with George' has no plot, and it's been severely criticized for that.

The New Yorker

"Our corporate governance was severely criticized," Shuichi Takayama, the president of Olympus, told reporters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severely criticized", ensure that the severity of the criticism is justified by the context. Avoid using it for minor disagreements or mild disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "severely criticized" when a milder term like "criticized" or "questioned" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severely criticized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has received strong negative feedback. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly used to express strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severely criticized" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where someone or something has faced significant disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules. It is frequently found in news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the criticism and whether a milder alternative might be more appropriate. Remember to use it when the subject has faced substantial backlash for their actions. Alternatives include "sharply condemned" or "heavily censured" for variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharply condemned

Emphasizes a strong and explicit expression of disapproval.

heavily censured

Implies a formal or official reprimand.

roundly denounced

Suggests widespread and public condemnation.

strongly disapproved of

Focuses on the feeling of disapproval rather than the act of criticizing.

harshly judged

Highlights the severity of the evaluation.

fiercely attacked

Conveys a more aggressive and combative form of criticism.

savagely rebuked

Implies a particularly harsh and unforgiving form of criticism.

scathingly reviewed

Often used in the context of artistic or intellectual works, indicating a highly negative assessment.

lambasted

A more informal term for severely criticizing someone.

taken to task

Suggests being reprimanded or held accountable for something.

FAQs

How can I use "severely criticized" in a sentence?

You can use "severely criticized" to describe situations where someone or something has faced strong disapproval or condemnation. For example, "The new policy was severely criticized by environmental groups".

What are some alternatives to "severely criticized"?

You can use alternatives like "sharply condemned", "heavily censured", or "strongly disapproved of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "severely criticized" and "criticized"?

"Severely criticized" implies a much stronger level of disapproval or condemnation than simply "criticized". The former suggests a serious fault or offense, while the latter can refer to minor disagreements.

When is it appropriate to use "severely criticized" in writing?

Use "severely criticized" when you want to emphasize the intensity and gravity of the criticism. It's suitable when the subject has faced significant backlash or condemnation for their actions or ideas.