I was reprimanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was reprimanded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where you received a formal expression of disapproval or criticism for your actions. Example: "After the meeting, I was reprimanded by my supervisor for not meeting the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that.

The New York Times

For doing this, I was reprimanded by the staff and a social worker.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once I was told off for wearing a dress that showed my (ugh, the horror!) knees; another time I was reprimanded for not wearing a full-length gown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officially, I got fined £7,500 and I was reprimanded and in the press.

BBC

"I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that," he said.

Los Angeles Times

I was reprimanded by an older friend for casually mocking this year's New York City Gay Pride parade.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When a particularly zealous professional interrogator at the National Intelligence School in Bad Ems began to elaborate on methods similar to those practiced by the U.S. Army in Iraq (and, apparently, C.I.A. officers abroad), my fellow officers and I reported him and he was reprimanded.

The New York Times

(I mistakenly wandered into her bathroom in the bungalow and was reprimanded by two staff members).

The New Yorker

He was reprimanded and released.

The New Yorker

Mr. Neilson was reprimanded, he said.

The New York Times

He was reprimanded and immediately apologised.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was reprimanded" to clearly and directly convey that you received a formal expression of disapproval. Ensure the context clarifies the reason for the reprimand.

Common error

Avoid using "reprimanded" interchangeably with milder terms like "advised" or stronger terms like "punished". "Reprimanded" indicates a specific level of formal disapproval, falling between a simple warning and a more severe penalty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was reprimanded" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker received a formal expression of disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The structure clearly communicates a past event where the speaker was subject to criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was reprimanded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe receiving a formal expression of disapproval. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as formal or business settings. While several alternatives exist, each carries slightly different nuances regarding the severity and formality of the disapproval. It's important to use this phrase accurately to convey the specific context of receiving a reprimand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was rebuked

Rebuked implies a strong disapproval or scolding, often more forceful than a reprimand.

I was admonished

Admonished suggests a gentle but firm warning or correction, highlighting potential future misbehavior.

I was censured

Censured indicates a formal and public expression of disapproval, often by an authority.

I was scolded

Scolded implies a more informal and often parental form of reprimand, usually for minor offenses.

I received a telling-off

This is an informal way of saying you were severely reprimanded.

I was pulled up

This is a colloquial way to say that someone in authority has corrected you.

I was taken to task

Taken to task suggests being held accountable and criticized for a specific error or failure.

I was upbraided

Upbraided suggests a harsh and critical scolding, emphasizing the speaker's disappointment or anger.

I was dressed down

Dressed down is an informal phrase for being severely reprimanded, often in public.

I was carpeted

Carpeted is a British-English informal term for being summoned and reprimanded by someone in authority.

FAQs

What does "I was reprimanded" mean?

The phrase "I was reprimanded" means that you received a formal expression of disapproval or criticism for something you did or said. It implies a level of authority or formality in the correction.

What can I say instead of "I was reprimanded"?

You can use alternatives like "I was rebuked", "I was admonished", or "I was censured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I was reprimanded" formal or informal?

"I was reprimanded" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is suitable for both professional and general contexts where a clear and direct description of receiving disapproval is needed.

How to use "I was reprimanded" in a sentence?

Use "I was reprimanded" to describe an event where you received formal criticism. For example: "I was reprimanded by my manager for missing the deadline", or "After the incident, I was reprimanded for my behavior".