be chewed out

USAGE SUMMARY

"be chewed out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone being reprimanded or scolded, often in a harsh manner. Example: After missing the deadline, he knew he would be chewed out by his boss. Alternative expressions include "get yelled at" and "be reprimanded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"You expect to be chewed out in that situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Like a student with poor grades waiting to be chewed out by her parents, she knew her bosses would take some action after the school got an F on its report card in the fall.

The New York Times

Sam reunites with the Night's Watch, only to be chewed out by the Lord Commander for failing to send the ravens, which was his only job.

Huffington Post

Most of the businesses you encounter are under a larger umbrella, and while the person you are dealing with may personally want to bend the rules, at the end of the day he or she would rather apologize to you than be chewed out by the boss.

Huffington Post

Even before they rallied with three straight victories, the players agreed that they deserved to be chewed out.

The New York Times - Sports

When he walked into the meeting room the day after their poor performance in the exhibition opener against the New England Patriots, the Giants knew they were about to be chewed out.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When Anthony Goytia sits down with his wife and three children for Thanksgiving dinner in East Los Angeles, he's going to be chewing out of one side of his mouth.

Vice

Bullying is not conflict, a personality clash, or being chewed out by a boss.

Harvard Business Review

"I've been chewed out by the best of them," he said.

The New York Times - Style

"You have not been chewed out until Lew Wasserman chews you," Jerry Adler, an executive with MCA's television production company, Revue, was quoted saying in "The Last Mogul".

The New York Times

AT both the Pentagon and the State Department, officials report being chewed out by Mr. McDonough when he believes they have leaked something before the White House is ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be chewed out" when you want to emphasize the intensity and negativity of the scolding or reprimand received. It suggests a harsh and unpleasant experience.

Common error

Avoid using "be chewed out" when you mean to describe someone actively scolding another person. Instead of "He was chewed out the employee", use "He chewed out the employee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be chewed out" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that someone is the recipient of a severe scolding or reprimand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid expression, commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be chewed out" is a grammatically sound and understandable English phrase used to describe the act of receiving a harsh scolding or reprimand. Ludwig AI validates its usage, highlighting its common presence in News & Media. While the phrase carries a neutral register, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "be reprimanded" in professional settings. Recognizing common errors, like confusing active and passive voice, helps in using the phrase accurately. By understanding its meaning, appropriate usage, and available alternatives, writers can effectively convey the intended message with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scolded

A more general and less intense way of saying "be chewed out".

be reprimanded

A more formal and professional way to say "be chewed out".

get a dressing-down

An informal term for receiving a severe reprimand.

get told off

A common, informal way of saying "be reprimanded".

be berated

Indicates a more prolonged and vehement scolding.

catch flak

An informal idiom suggesting receiving criticism or blame.

get an earful

An idiom for receiving a lengthy and often angry scolding.

be given a tongue-lashing

Implies a harsh and critical verbal attack.

face criticism

A more neutral and less emotive way to say "be reprimanded".

bear the brunt of someone's anger

Describes being the target of someone's frustration or anger.

FAQs

What does "be chewed out" mean?

To "be chewed out" means to be severely scolded or reprimanded, often in an angry or harsh manner. It implies a strong verbal dressing-down.

What can I say instead of "be chewed out"?

You can use alternatives like "be scolded", "be reprimanded", or "get told off" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "be chewed out" formal or informal?

"Be chewed out" is considered an informal expression. In more formal settings, it would be more appropriate to use phrases like "be reprimanded" or "receive a scolding".

How to use "be chewed out" in a sentence?

You can use "be chewed out" in a sentence like this: "After missing the deadline, he expected to be chewed out by his boss".