bawl out

USAGE SUMMARY

"bawl out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to scold or reprimand someone loudly and angrily. Example: The teacher bawled out the students for their disruptive behavior during class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But you can't blame Gorman and Ansari – the onus shouldn't be on the comic to bawl out phone users.

The Guardian

At one point a policeman leans down into the orchestra to bawl out the drummer who thwacks smartly when the lyric calls for chimes.

The New York Times

His kudos comes from his weighty writings for outlets like The Huffington Post, but he's not too proud to use Twitter to bawl out a local cinema for bad service, or to use abbrevations like "OMG".

Independent

As Life magazine observed, he was "the voice of the blind criers and crazy beggars and maimed men who summon up the strength to bawl out their souls in the streets".

The Telegraph

Now, just over half a century later, students climbed to the highest point in the city to bawl out the names of free thinkers, the way their modern descendants might celebrate famous sportsmen.

The Guardian - Books

The whole bit is perfectly timed and edited, down to the punch line: when Abbi runs over to bawl out the truck driver, she finds him watching porn as he drives.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I felt like Geoffrey Howe, being bawled out by Margaret Thatcher..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Desk boy called in and bawled out before Bryan.

The New Yorker

Labour's Martin Salter bawls out, "This is a corridor!

The Guardian

Mentions man who bawled out conductor for shouting reminder.

The New Yorker

She bawled out the Bio I class for doing poorly on a quiz about cell division.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bawl out" when you want to convey a sense of loud and angry reprimand. It's suitable for informal contexts but avoid it in professional or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bawl out" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "reprimand", "admonish", or "censure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bawl out" functions primarily as a verbal expression of strong disapproval or reprimand. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in contexts involving scolding and rebuking individuals for perceived wrongdoings or failures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bawl out" is an informal expression used to describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone loudly and angrily. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While its use is acceptable in informal settings, it's best to avoid it in professional or academic writing, opting for more formal alternatives. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's application across various contexts, though it's most frequently found in news and media. When used, it conveys a sense of strong disapproval and is intended to correct behavior through a verbal reprimand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chew out

An informal expression similar to "bawl out", conveying an angry scolding.

tell off

A direct and often angry way of expressing disapproval.

scold severely

Focuses on the act of scolding, emphasizing the severity of the reprimand.

berate strongly

Emphasizes the intensity of the berating.

reprimand harshly

Emphasizes the act of formal reprimand with a severe tone.

dress down

Implies a less formal but still stern scolding.

call on the carpet

Suggests a formal summons for reprimand.

give a tongue-lashing

Suggests a verbal attack or a harsh scolding.

rake over the coals

Implies severe criticism or punishment.

give a piece of one's mind

Expresses a frank and often angry expression of opinion or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "bawl out" in a sentence?

You can use "bawl out" to describe a situation where someone is being loudly and angrily reprimanded. For example: "The coach "bawled out" the team for their poor performance."

What can I say instead of "bawl out"?

You can use alternatives like "scold severely", "reprimand harshly", or "dress down" depending on the context.

Is "bawl out" formal or informal?

"Bawl out" is an informal expression. In formal settings, consider using more professional terms such as "reprimand" or "admonish".

What's the difference between "bawl out" and "chew out"?

Both "bawl out" and "chew out" are informal phrases that mean to scold someone angrily. However, "bawl out" emphasizes the loudness of the scolding, while "chew out" can imply a more thorough and intense reprimand.