a sharp rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp rebuke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong or severe criticism directed at someone for their actions or behavior. Example: "After the meeting, the manager delivered a sharp rebuke to the team for missing the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He received a sharp rebuke.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report drew a sharp rebuke from Colombia's government.

The New York Times

The statement provoked a sharp rebuke from the Democratic leadership.

The New York Times

It will also serve as a sharp rebuke.

The Guardian

Very occasionally, she would deliver a sharp rebuke.

The New York Times

His comments drew a sharp rebuke from several of his rivals.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Lars Peter Hansen, director of the institute, issued a sharp rebuke of his peers.

The New York Times

He added a sharp rebuke, accusing Mr. Romney of using inflamed language for political gain.

The New York Times

His remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Mrs. Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert.

The New York Times

Being two minutes early for a meeting still elicits a sharp rebuke for being tardy.

The New York Times - Sports

The action against the National Democratic Institute drew a sharp rebuke from critics of the government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp rebuke" when you want to emphasize the strength and severity of the criticism being delivered. The phrase is suitable for formal writing and speech.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp rebuke" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or theatrical in informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "strong criticism" or "serious scolding" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp rebuke" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., 'drew', 'received', 'issued') to describe a strong expression of disapproval or criticism. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp rebuke" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, particularly within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it conveys a strong sense of disapproval or criticism, suitable for formal or neutral communication. While the phrase is accurate, remember to use alternatives like "a strong reprimand" or "a harsh condemnation" to avoid repetition and to fine-tune your message based on context and desired intensity. Be mindful of its relatively formal tone; in more informal settings, simpler phrasing may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong reprimand

Replaces 'rebuke' with 'reprimand', suggesting a formal expression of disapproval.

a severe criticism

Substitutes 'rebuke' with 'criticism', focusing on the act of expressing disapproval.

a harsh condemnation

Uses 'condemnation' instead of 'rebuke', implying a stronger and more formal expression of disapproval.

a stinging censure

Replaces 'rebuke' with 'censure', suggesting official disapproval.

a pointed denunciation

Emphasizes the direct and public nature of the criticism.

a firm disapproval

Replaces 'rebuke' with 'disapproval', focusing on the expression of not approving something.

a cutting remark

Shifts the focus to the verbal expression of disapproval, highlighting its sharpness.

a scathing indictment

Suggests a formal and severe accusation or criticism.

a blistering critique

Emphasizes the intensity and forcefulness of the criticism.

a telling off

An informal way to describe a verbal reprimand or scolding.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp rebuke" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp rebuke" to describe a strong expression of disapproval or criticism, as in, "The senator's comments drew "a sharp rebuke" from his colleagues."

What's a more formal alternative to "a sharp rebuke"?

A more formal alternative could be "a severe censure" or "a harsh condemnation", depending on the context and the intensity of the disapproval you want to convey.

Is "a sharp rebuke" the same as "a sharp criticism"?

While similar, "a sharp rebuke" implies a more direct and often public expression of disapproval, whereas "a sharp criticism" can be more general and may not necessarily involve a direct confrontation.

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp rebuke" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a sharp rebuke" in formal writing, such as news articles, academic papers, or official statements, where you need to convey a strong sense of disapproval or censure.