What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
find fault
Example
She always finds fault with everything I do. [find fault: verb]
Example
He has a habit of finding fault in others, even when it's not necessary. [finding fault: gerund or present participle]
criticize
Example
I don't want to criticize your work, but there are some areas that need improvement. [criticize: verb]
Example
The teacher criticized the student's essay, pointing out areas that needed more development. [criticizing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criticize is more commonly used than find fault in everyday language. Criticize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while find fault is less common and may have a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between find fault and criticize?
While find fault is typically associated with a more negative or informal tone, criticize can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
