already been scolded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already been scolded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received a reprimand or criticism prior to the current moment. Example: "She was upset because she had already been scolded for her mistakes earlier in the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I've already been scolded.

The Guardian - Film

D.H.L. Airways' lawyer, Sandy Litvack, who had already been scolded by the judge several times, responded: "I think it materially changes the situation in that, respectfully, we spend a lot of time on an issue that I suggest to you is about to become moot".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

David opened his mouth to tell the story, then couldn't remember whether he'd already told it and didn't want to be scolded for perseverating.

The New Yorker

To be scolded?

The New Yorker

Not being scolded feels good.

The New York Times - Arts

"You come afterward," he remembered being scolded.

The New York Times - Magazine

The dogs are gods to be scolded.

The Guardian - Books

"I didn't need to be scolded.

The New York Times

"Fucking Brazilians!" I shouted, to see if I'd be scolded, but no one scolded me.

The New Yorker

The Marinos don't need to be scolded.

The New York Times

Another was scolded for wearing his baseball cap backward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already been scolded" to clearly indicate that a reprimand occurred before the current situation. This helps establish context and avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "already been scolded" when you mean the scolding is ongoing or will happen in the future. Use a future or present tense construction instead, like "will be scolded" or "is being scolded".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already been scolded" functions as a verb phrase indicating a passive action that has already occurred. Ludwig AI confirms this by showing examples where the subject has received a reprimand or criticism prior to the current moment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "already been scolded" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that someone has previously received a reprimand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While not extremely common, it appears in news articles, scientific publications, and general writing. Related phrases include "previously reprimanded" and "already received a telling-off". When using this phrase, ensure that your tense is consistent and that it aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been rebuked previously

A more formal and direct way of saying someone has been scolded.

previously reprimanded

Focuses on the formal act of receiving a reprimand, suitable for professional contexts.

been taken to task earlier

Implies that someone was held accountable and criticized for something.

already received a telling-off

A more informal, British English alternative suggesting a verbal rebuke.

received a dressing-down earlier

Suggests a stern and thorough reprimand, often in a workplace setting.

already gotten a lecture

Implies a longer, more instructive reprimand, often from a figure of authority.

already warned

Focuses on the warning aspect of being scolded, implying a potential consequence.

been chewed out before

An informal phrase indicating a harsh or severe scolding.

been called out on it before

Implies that someone was publicly corrected or criticized for a mistake.

faced criticism before

A broader term indicating that someone has received negative feedback in the past.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "already been scolded" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "previously reprimanded" or "been rebuked previously". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's a more casual way to say "already been scolded"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could say "already received a telling-off" or "been chewed out before". However, be mindful of your audience, as the latter is quite informal.

Is "already been scolded" grammatically correct?

Yes, "already been scolded" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect construction ("have/has been") with the adverb "already" to indicate that the action of scolding happened at an unspecified time before the present.

How does the meaning change if I use "already scolded" instead of "already been scolded"?

Using "already scolded" would imply that the subject performed the action of scolding, rather than being the recipient of it. For example, "She already scolded him" means she did the scolding. Whereas "She has already been scolded" means someone scolded her.