I was rebuked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was rebuked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone has scolded or reprimanded you for your actions or behavior. Example: "After the meeting, I was rebuked by my manager for not meeting the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I was rebuked".

The New Yorker

"I was rebuked, I was attacked," he said.

Independent

When I was rebuked by contacts, I feared.

The Economist

"In the papers, after I refused to shake Stanford's hand, I was rebuked by Sir Vivian Richards, the great cricket player, who I had no idea was in with Stanford".

The New Yorker

When ambassador to Uzbekistan, I was rebuked by the then head of the diplomatic service for reporting to London by unclassified email the details of dreadful human rights abuses by the Uzbek government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was rebuked by the Republican leader, Trent Lott.

The New York Times

Rabinowitz was rebuked by the judge for wearing slacks.

The New York Times - Books

There, he was rebuked and disbelieved until the Virgin's image materialized on his cloak.

The New Yorker

The British government was rebuked for providing funds to nonmilitant Salafi organizations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Broder was rebuked in the pages of The Post by its ombudsman, Deborah Howell.

The New York Times

Though Idemitsu was rebuked by his own government, his action was highly popular in both countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was rebuked" to describe a direct and personal experience of being corrected or criticized, especially in situations involving authority or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "I was rebuked" when the situation involves more severe consequences or actions. "Rebuked" implies a correction, not necessarily a punishment or legal action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was rebuked" functions as a statement expressing that the speaker received a reprimand or criticism. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this expression is frequently found in news and media contexts. The auxiliary verb "was" indicates a passive construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was rebuked" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that the speaker received a reprimand or correction. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary context is in news and media, though applicable in various narratives. While "rare" in frequency, its usage is consistent and understood, functioning to convey a personal experience of being corrected or criticized. For similar expressions, alternatives such as "I received a reprimand" or I was scolded may be suitable depending on the formality and specific nuance desired. Ludwig also suggests focusing on using "rebuked" to imply more of a correction than a punishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received a reprimand

Focuses on the act of receiving a formal correction.

I was scolded

Emphasizes a milder, often parental, form of rebuke.

I was criticized

Indicates a general expression of disapproval or fault-finding.

I was taken to task

Highlights being held accountable and challenged for one's actions.

I was reproached

Suggests a formal and serious expression of disapproval or disappointment.

I was admonished

Conveys a gentle but firm warning or reprimand.

I was corrected

Highlights the act of having errors or faults pointed out.

I was pulled up

An informal way of saying someone was corrected for a mistake.

I was sanctioned

Suggests a formal punishment or penalty was applied.

I faced censure

Implies a formal and public expression of disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was rebuked" to express that you received criticism or a reprimand for something you did. For instance, "I was rebuked by my supervisor for missing the deadline."

What's a more formal alternative to "I was rebuked"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was reprimanded". This suggests a more official or serious censure.

What can I say instead of "I was rebuked" in a less formal setting?

In a less formal setting, you could say "I was scolded" or "I was told off". These options convey a milder sense of being corrected.

Is "I was rebuked" different from "I was criticized"?

While both involve negative feedback, "I was rebuked" suggests a more direct and authoritative correction, whereas "I was criticized" can refer to a broader expression of disapproval.