be admonished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be admonished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to warn or advise someone about a particular behavior or action they should avoid. Example: "Before you proceed with your decision, you should be admonished about the potential consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The committee properly concluded that he should be admonished for his staffers' blatant misconduct.

The New York Times

Harris, one of only three women on the committee, was the only one to be admonished.

The Guardian

I didn't expect to be admonished in a central London hotel".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, he didn't admonish her when she needed to be admonished.

The New Yorker

As Professor Kelp, he sits in Dr. Warfield's office, waiting to be admonished.

The New York Times

When it comes to a surgical procedure, a doctor can be admonished if he falls short of professional standards.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It feels good to be admonishing myself about yoga rather than my profound, existential badness.

Vice

He or she is admonished.

The Economist

Early on he was admonished not to film.

The New York Times

You are admonished by the waiter to share dishes.

The New York Times - Food

Only Congressman Charles Rangel, a Democrat of New York, was admonished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be admonished," consider the tone and context. Ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation and the relationship with the person being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "be admonished" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler terms like "be warned" or "be told" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be admonished" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action of being warned or reproved. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be admonished" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to convey a formal warning or gentle reproof, with a neutral register suitable for news, media, and some formal writing contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media", "Science" and "Wiki" sources. While it's considered "Very common", simpler alternatives like "be warned" or "be advised" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to consider the context and tone when using "be admonished" to ensure it aligns with the situation and your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be warned

Highlights the act of receiving a caution about potential danger or consequences.

be cautioned

Underscores the act of being advised to be careful or wary.

be reprimanded

Emphasizes the act of being formally rebuked or censured.

be rebuked

Indicates a strong expression of disapproval or criticism.

be advised against

Specifically refers to receiving advice not to do something.

be chided

Suggests a mild form of scolding or reprimanding.

be reproved

Highlights the act of being gently criticized or corrected.

receive a reprimand

Focuses on the act of receiving a formal or official rebuke.

be taken to task

Implies being criticized or held accountable for a mistake or wrongdoing.

be taken to task

Focuses on being criticized or held accountable for a mistake or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "be admonished" in a sentence?

You can use "be admonished" when you want to gently but seriously warn or reprove someone. For example, "The student was told that he would "be admonished" if he cheated again".

What is a simpler alternative to "be admonished"?

If you find "be admonished" too formal, you can use phrases like "be warned", "be advised", or "be cautioned", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be admonished"?

"Be admonished" is appropriate in formal settings, legal contexts, or when delivering a serious but not overly harsh warning. It's suitable when the situation calls for a gentle reproof or correction.

What is the difference between "be admonished" and "be reprimanded"?

"Be admonished" implies a gentler, more advisory warning, while "be reprimanded" suggests a more formal and severe rebuke or censure. The choice depends on the severity of the situation and the desired tone.