garner critical acclaim

/ˈɡɑːrnər ˈkrɪtɪkl əˈkleɪm/

Meaning

To collect, earn, or receive high praise and positive reviews from professional critics and experts. This phrase is widely used in journalism, film studies, and literary reviews.

Examples

  • The independent drama managed to garner critical acclaim despite its incredibly low budget.

    The independent drama managed to garner critical acclaim despite its incredibly low budget.

  • Her debut performance in the theater production garnered critical acclaim across the country.

    Her debut performance in the theater production garnered critical acclaim across the country.

  • Although the movie didn't make much money at the box office, it did garner critical acclaim.

    Although the movie didn't make much money at the box office, it did garner critical acclaim.

  • The novel continues to garner critical acclaim for its unique narrative structure and deep character development.

    The novel continues to garner critical acclaim for its unique narrative structure and deep character development.

  • Very few video games manage to both sell millions of copies and garner critical acclaim.

    Very few video games manage to both sell millions of copies and garner critical acclaim.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ The movie garnered critical acclaims from everyone.

    ✓ The movie garnered critical acclaim from everyone.

    'Acclaim' is an uncountable noun in this context and should not be pluralized as 'acclaims'.

  • ✗ The director gained critical acclaiming for his work.

    ✓ The director garnered critical acclaim for his work.

    The noun form is 'acclaim'. 'Acclaiming' is a participle and cannot be used as the direct object of the verb.

Related Expressions

receive rave reviews win high praisebe highly acclaimed

Practice

  • The director hopes his new historical biopic will ___ at the upcoming film festivals.

    💡 To earn high praise from film critics.

    Show answer

    garner critical acclaim

  • Even though the sequel was a commercial hit, it failed to ___ like the original film did.

    💡 To receive positive reception from professional reviewers.

    Show answer

    garner critical acclaim