sharp criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to criticism that is especially strong or harsh. For example, "I received a lot of sharp criticism for my choice of clothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This provoked sharp criticism.

The New York Times

My methods drew sharp criticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was also sharp criticism.

The New York Times

But there is much sharp criticism too.

The Guardian

Rarely is there anything approaching sharp criticism.

The New York Times

PAGE A16 Sharp Criticism of the C.I.A.

The New York Times

The Chinese government is off limits for sharp criticism.

Columbia University

His comments provoked sharp criticism from Iranian conservatives.

The Economist

But sharp criticism did not belong to detractors alone.

The New York Times

For its failings, the book deserves sharp criticism.

The Economist

The changes, however, attracted sharp criticism from flight attendant unions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "harsh disapproval" or "strong condemnation" for variety, but ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp criticism" in overly casual or informal settings where a less forceful term would be more appropriate. Using it too frequently can make your writing sound overly aggressive or judgmental. Simpler terms like "strong disagreement" or "disapproval" might be better suited in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp criticism" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object or subject of a verb, describing an instance of strong disapproval or censure. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp criticism" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong disapproval or negative judgment. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though overuse in very casual settings should be avoided. Semantically related phrases include "harsh disapproval", "strong condemnation", and "severe censure", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using "sharp criticism", consider the intensity and context to ensure it aligns with your intended message. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a verb, and its purpose is to communicate strong disapproval or point out flaws. It maintains a neutral register and appears most frequently in news media and encyclopedic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh disapproval

Emphasizes the severity and negativity of the criticism.

strong condemnation

Highlights the moral or ethical objection behind the criticism.

severe censure

Implies a formal and authoritative expression of disapproval.

bitter denunciation

Conveys a strong feeling of anger and rejection in the criticism.

scathing assessment

Focuses on the damaging and hurtful nature of the evaluation.

fierce opposition

Highlights the conflict and resistance associated with the criticism.

vehement objection

Emphasizes the intensity and passion behind the disagreement.

pointed rebukes

Suggests direct and intentional criticism, often meant to correct.

outright rejection

Indicates a complete refusal or dismissal of something.

unfavorable review

A more neutral term, but still indicates a negative evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp criticism" to describe strong disapproval or negative feedback, such as "The policy changes faced "intense opposition" and drew "sharp criticism" from environmental groups".

What are some alternatives to "sharp criticism"?

Alternatives to "sharp criticism" include "harsh disapproval", "strong condemnation", or "severe censure", depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sharp criticism"?

It is appropriate to use "sharp criticism" when you want to emphasize the severity or intensity of the disapproval. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts where strong negative feedback is being expressed. If a softer phrase sounds more adequate you may consider "constructive feedback" instead.

What distinguishes "sharp criticism" from "constructive feedback"?

"Sharp criticism" typically focuses on pointing out flaws or negative aspects, often with a strong tone. In contrast, "constructive feedback" aims to provide suggestions for improvement and is delivered in a more supportive manner.