was criticized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was criticized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something received negative feedback or disapproval in the past. Example: "The policy was criticized for its lack of transparency and effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smith was criticized — again.

The New York Times

That action was criticized.

The New York Times

Once again, his work was criticized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

was criticized for legally improper intervention.

The New Yorker

The deal was criticized at the outset.

The New York Times

She thought she was criticized enough.

The New Yorker

Smith was criticized on The Fifth Down.

The New York Times

The campaign was criticized by many.

The New York Times

The deal was criticized from the start.

The New York Times

The promotion was criticized by rights groups.

The New York Times

Tells how Koch was criticized for this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was criticized", clearly state the reason for the criticism to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The policy was criticized for its lack of transparency".

Common error

Avoid using "was criticized" without specifying who or what did the criticizing. Be specific; instead of saying "The project was criticized", mention who criticized it: "The project was criticized by the board of directors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was criticized" primarily functions as the passive voice of the verb "criticize". This indicates that the subject of the sentence received criticism, with the source of criticism potentially unspecified. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was criticized" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a subject has received negative feedback or disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias and wikis, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide clear context regarding the reason for the criticism and, when possible, the source. Alternatives such as "received criticism" or "came under fire" can be used to vary the language, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received criticism

Emphasizes the act of receiving negative feedback rather than the state of being criticized.

faced disapproval

Highlights the encounter with negative sentiment or rejection.

came under fire

Suggests a more intense and often public form of criticism.

was censured

Indicates a formal or official expression of disapproval.

was condemned

Implies a strong and often moralistic disapproval.

drew flak

Suggests facing criticism, often unexpectedly or from multiple sources.

met with objections

Focuses on the act of encountering opposition or disagreement.

was impugned

Emphasizes the questioning or challenging of someone's character or motives.

was taken to task

Suggests being reprimanded or held accountable for something.

was slammed

An informal term meaning to be heavily criticized.

FAQs

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

You can use "was criticized" to indicate that someone or something received negative feedback. For example: "The new policy "was criticized" for its potential impact on small businesses".

What is a formal alternative to "was criticized"?

A more formal alternative to "was criticized" is "was censured". It suggests a formal or official expression of disapproval.

What are some less formal ways to say "was criticized"?

Less formal alternatives include "came under fire" or "was slammed". Note that "was slammed" is a more colloquial expression.

What's the difference between "was criticized" and "received criticism"?

While similar, "was criticized" emphasizes the action done to the subject, whereas "received criticism" focuses on the act of getting negative feedback. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.