stand in judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand in judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used when describing a situation where someone is making a judgment about someone or something, such as a court ruling or other type of decision. For example: "The jury was asked to stand in judgment of the accused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Don't stand in judgment of past behavior.

The Washington Post

Who was she to stand in judgment?

The Guardian - Travel

Warren's God is not awesome or angry and does not stand in judgment of human sin.

The New Yorker

Wyoming will stand in judgment for him as for any other appropriator in that state.

Cornell University

As managers, we're often the ones who stand in judgment of other people and their work.

Harvard Business Review

"Why stand in judgment on whether they should vote or not?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Last week, it was not the gods but the people of Egypt who stood in judgment of Mubarak, and, from Suez to Islamiya, their verdict was deafening.

The New Yorker

But on this occasion, for the first time since 1943, citizens from outside the legal profession stood in judgment of Mr Fujii, alongside professional judges.

The Economist

More interesting is that for a generation or two it was common for the sense of accusation to run the other way: to feel that Lawrence, by example of his passion and courage, stood in judgment over us.

The New Yorker

Montanism stood in judgment on any compromise with the ways of the world, and Tertullian gave himself fully to the defense of the new movement as its most articulate spokesman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Presumably, the relevant people have decided it is untenable for an organisation that stands in judgment on others to employ someone who just informed two undercover reporters, posing as representatives from a football agency based in south-east Asia, that it is "not a problem" to get round the rules of third-party ownership, despite the practice being banned in 2008.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stand in judgment", consider the tone and context. It can imply a formal assessment or a more general critical evaluation. Choose synonyms like "assess" or "evaluate" for a less accusatory tone.

Common error

Be mindful that "stand in judgment" can sometimes sound overly critical or self-righteous. Ensure your language reflects fairness and objectivity, not just condemnation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand in judgment" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of assessing or evaluating someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase can describe both formal (e.g., legal contexts) and informal evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

24%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand in judgment" is a versatile expression used to convey the act of evaluating or criticizing, often implying a sense of authority or finality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia. While it is a very common phrase, it's essential to be mindful of its tone, as it can sometimes come across as overly critical. Consider alternatives like "assess" or "evaluate" for a more neutral tone. Overall, "stand in judgment" is a potent phrase for describing situations where evaluations are made, but it requires careful consideration of context and tone to ensure the message is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sit in judgement

This is just a spelling variation with slightly different use frequency.

Pass judgment

Emphasizes the act of delivering a verdict or opinion.

Render a verdict

Focuses on the formal delivery of a decision, often in a legal context.

Evaluate critically

Highlights the analytical aspect of assessing something.

Take a judgmental stance

Focuses on adopting a critical and often negative attitude.

Assess merits

Focuses on evaluating the positive qualities of something.

Offer an assessment

Highlights the act of providing an opinion or evaluation.

Form an opinion

Emphasizes the act of creating a personal viewpoint.

Appraise the situation

Focuses on the situational aspect of assessment and consideration.

Arbitrate

Emphasizes the role of a neutral party in resolving a dispute through judgment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stand in judgment"?

To "stand in judgment" means to assess, evaluate, or criticize someone or something, often with a sense of authority or finality. It implies making a determination about the merit or worth of the subject.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "stand in judgment"?

It's appropriate when describing a formal evaluation, like a judge in court, or any situation where someone is critically assessing someone else's actions or character. Be mindful of the tone, as it can sound accusatory.

What are some alternatives to "stand in judgment"?

You can use alternatives like "pass judgment", "render a verdict", or "evaluate critically" to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

How can I use "stand in judgment" in a sentence?

You might say, "The historian did not "stand in judgment" of the past, but sought to understand it" or "It is not our place to "stand in judgment" of their decisions."