Take to task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take to task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is being criticized or held accountable for their actions or behavior. Example: "The manager decided to take the employee to task for consistently missing deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Each of these - with a paradoxical lightness, and a sense of mixed resolution and unresolvedness that leaves its readers both satisfied and disturbed - would take to task its own contemporaneity and ask profound questions about art, life and belief.

The Guardian - Books

"Any extremism, any terrorism from here will not be allowed," he said, adding later, "We have to take to task any extremist here of whatever shape and color -- and we'll take them to task".

The New York Times

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] for failureSIR – You take to task executive pay packages, in particular golden parachutes and rewards for failure ("Where's the stick?", October 11th).

The Economist

While the president named no names and did not deliver the "tongue lashing" to corporate executives some expected, his speech did take to task CEOs who accept "tens of millions of dollars in bonuses just before their companies go bankrupt".

Forbes

This is where tradespeople and philosophers, poets and politicians rubbed shoulders and where, too, the public complained and demonstrated and, at times, were met, dispersed and even slaughtered by forces of the regimes they tried to take to task.

BBC

One claim protestors could take to task?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

(The book was taken to task for oversimplying matters.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was taken to task by Norman Mailer about my approach to writing novels," Ellis goes on.

The Guardian - Books

However the RGT has been taken to task for being too close to the industry.

The Guardian

Governments can be taken to task by bringing issues through shadow reports to the treaty bodies.

The Guardian

He is taken to task for not aggressively pursuing the politicians collaborating with the cartels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "take to task" with a specific reason to clearly indicate the cause of the reprimand.

Common error

Avoid using "take to task" in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "scold" or "criticize" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take to task" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of formally reprimanding or criticizing someone. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase is used to indicate holding someone accountable for their actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take to task" is a verb phrase used to describe formally reprimanding or criticizing someone. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and is found most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives exist, "take to task" carries a tone of serious and official reprimand. When writing, it is best to use this phrase in formal or professional settings, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Examples show consistent application of the phrase to hold individuals or entities accountable for specific actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold accountable

Highlights the act of making someone responsible for their actions.

Call to account

Emphasizes the act of demanding an explanation for actions.

Rebuke

A sharp disapproval or criticism.

Reprimand

This alternative conveys a formal rebuke, often from a position of authority.

Berate

Suggests a prolonged and vehement criticism.

Scold

To express sharp disapproval or criticism due to someone's behavior or actions.

Admonish

Implies a gentle but firm warning or scolding.

Censure

To express severe disapproval of, typically in a formal statement.

Criticize severely

Directly expresses strong disapproval.

Lecture

Implies a lengthy and didactic reprimand.

FAQs

How can I use "take to task" in a sentence?

You can use "take to task" to indicate that someone is being reprimanded or criticized for their actions. For example: "The manager decided to "take to task" the employee for missing deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "take to task"?

Alternatives include "reprimand", "admonish", or "hold accountable" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "take to task" and "criticize"?

"Take to task" implies a more formal and often official reprimand, while "criticize" is a general term for expressing disapproval. The level of formality is what set them apart.

Is "take to task" appropriate for informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "take to task" is generally more suitable for formal or professional settings. In informal conversations, consider using alternatives like "scold" or "reproach".