admonish

USAGE SUMMARY

'admonish' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that means to express warning or disapproval to someone in a gentle, earnest way. Example sentence: "The teacher admonished the students to pay closer attention to their lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Every man has commission to admonish, exhort, convince another of error, and, by reasoning, to draw him into truth," Locke writes.

The Economist

SIR —The harmonisation and alignment commitments you admonish donors for failing to implement are no panacea.

The Economist

I have but one request: would you please admonish Barack Obama for the same things.John Toohey San AntonioSIR – Could you enlighten me as to where I might find "flashily intellectual" European leaders?Heinz Kestermann Sydney* Letter appears online only.

The Economist

Otherwise, American professional basketball fans will be watching games in Europe and China for some time to come.Pundits routinely admonish both sides of American sports labour disputes to do whatever it takes to reach agreement, lest they alienate fans for a generation.

The Economist

He also shares a somewhat condescending, didactic bent, and a tendency to chide and admonish rather than charm and encourage.

The Economist

The duty to offer friendly advice inevitably interferes with the duty to admonish and if necessary to sack.

The Economist

If the welfare of animals were the main point, a quick utilitarian calculation tells you that the state would do better to pass a law requiring people like Bagehot not only to bell and admonish their cats but also to keep them locked up indoors.

The Economist

If the Federal Reserve believes this defence, it is less likely to suspend the bank's licence, but could choose instead to admonish it, to levy a fine, or both.However, an investigation by The Economist casts serious doubts on the credibility of Crédit Lyonnais's defence.

The Economist

He likes to admonish policymakers.

The Economist

The most famous is the Pañca-tantra ("The Five Chapters"), which, within a framework of a lesson in the art of politics addressed to young princes, presents a number of animal characters who in their actions both admonish and exhort the reader to a life certain to lead to worldly success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This constant military presence and the abuses to individuals and property associated with it not only galvanized colonial opposition to the British but also compelled Thomas Jefferson to specifically admonish King George III in the Declaration of Independence "for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to the preposition that follows "admonish". It's often followed by "for," "against," or "to," depending on the context.

Common error

While "admonish" is a valid word, overuse in very formal or business settings might sound stilted. Consider alternatives like "advise" or "recommend" if a more neutral tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The verb "admonish" functions primarily to express a gentle but earnest warning or disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies cautioning or advising against wrongdoing, often followed by 'of', 'against', or a subordinate clause. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in formal writing and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "admonish" is a verb used to express a gentle but serious warning or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It commonly appears in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. When writing, use "admonish" to guide someone toward better choices without being overly critical, being mindful of the prepositions that follow. Consider alternatives like "warn" or "advise" for a more neutral tone. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "admonish" serves as a constructive tool for correction and guidance across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand

Implies a formal or official rebuke, often for a serious offense.

chide

Implies a gentle scolding or expression of disapproval.

warn

Focuses on alerting someone to potential danger or negative consequences.

rebuke

Suggests a sharp and direct criticism, often delivered with authority.

scold

Suggests a more irritated and possibly prolonged expression of disapproval.

reprove

Implies formal or stern disapproval.

advise

Suggests offering counsel or recommendations, often less forceful than "admonish".

caution

Emphasizes the need for prudence and careful consideration.

urge

Implies a strong encouragement or plea to take a specific action.

exhort

Conveys a passionate and persuasive appeal, often with moral undertones.

FAQs

How to use "admonish" in a sentence?

You can use "admonish" to mean to warn or reprimand someone gently. For example, "The teacher "admonished" the student for talking during the lesson".

What can I say instead of "admonish"?

You can use alternatives like "warn", "advise", or "reprimand" depending on the context and the severity of the correction.

Which is correct, "admonish" or "advise"?

"Admonish" and "advise" are both correct but have different nuances. "Advise" is general counsel, while "admonish" implies gentle but serious correction or warning.

What's the difference between "admonish" and "criticize"?

"Admonish" suggests a constructive intent to correct a fault, while "criticize" can be more generally negative and may not necessarily aim to improve behavior.