to denounce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to denounce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing strong disapproval or condemnation of someone or something, often in a public context. Example: "The politician chose to denounce the unethical practices of the corporation during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Congress held televised hearings to denounce it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many have refused to denounce it.

The New York Times

The President came forward to denounce us".

The New Yorker

She pushed him to denounce the filibuster.

The New Yorker

Who to denounce this time?

The Guardian

"Our government has failed to denounce atrocities. . . .

The New Yorker

Clinton challenged Republicans to denounce Trump's comments.

The Guardian

Hands Off Cain wished to denounce Hospira.

The New Yorker

For having dared to denounce it, bar it, deny it.

The New Yorker

"But to do that they'd have to denounce Osama".

The New Yorker

Mr Chen was required to denounce his father.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to denounce" when you want to express strong public disapproval of something. It is suitable for formal contexts such as political speeches, journalistic articles, or official statements.

Common error

Avoid using "to denounce" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for milder alternatives like "to criticize" or "to disagree with" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to denounce" is as an infinitive form of a verb, often used to express a deliberate and public act of condemning or criticizing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to denounce" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for publicly condemning or criticizing something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. While alternatives like "to criticize" or "to condemn" exist, "to denounce" carries a specific connotation of public and often formal disapproval. When using this phrase, remember to consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to condemn

Expresses strong disapproval, similar to "to denounce" but potentially less public or formal.

to condemn publicly

Emphasizes the public nature of the denouncement, making it more explicit.

to decry

Similar to "to denounce", but can also mean to express strong disapproval of something, especially publicly.

to criticize

Indicates disapproval, but can be less severe and more focused on pointing out flaws.

to censure

Implies formal disapproval or reprimand, often within an official context.

to speak out against

Highlights the act of voicing opposition, often in a proactive or challenging way.

to attack

Conveys a more aggressive form of criticism or opposition.

to rebuke

Suggests sharp disapproval or scolding, often from a position of authority.

to stigmatize

Focuses on the act of marking something or someone as disgraceful or disreputable.

to lambast

Implies a harsh and vehement criticism or attack.

FAQs

How can I use "to denounce" in a sentence?

You can use "to denounce" when you want to publicly condemn or criticize something. For example: "The president chose to denounce the actions of the opposing party."

What are some alternatives to "to denounce"?

Alternatives to "to denounce" include "to criticize", "to condemn", "to decry", or "to censure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to denounce" and "to condemn"?

"To denounce" often implies a public declaration of disapproval, whereas "to condemn" can be more general and doesn't necessarily require a public statement. Both express strong disapproval, but "to denounce" has a more formal and public connotation.

When is it appropriate to use "to denounce"?

It is appropriate to use "to denounce" when you want to express strong public disapproval, often in a formal or official setting. It's frequently used in news reports, political statements, and legal contexts.