be chided for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be chided for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being reprimanded or scolded for a specific action or behavior. Example: "He was chided for arriving late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As a philosopher, he is not to be chided for having no such principle himself.

The Economist

The opening of medical practices geared to the wealthy merely demonstrates that doctors will respond to market forces, and they should not be chided for it.

The New York Times

From this most visible stage Mr Netanyahu will present himself as the guardian of Israel's security in contrast to Barack Obama, who will be chided for his supposed readiness to yield in negotiations with Israel's arch-enemy, Iran.

The Economist

Yes, I know there is a good chance I will be chided for my defense of political correctness.

Huffington Post

When she claims this, no audience member can be chided for thinking she should be playing Juliet.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Pac-12 is chided for mediocrity.

The New York Times

He has been chided for overlooking the region.

The New York Times

Remember when Mr. Milken was chided for making $550 million in salary and bonuses in 1987?

The New York Times

In the same way, Vice President Dick Cheney was chided for referring admiringly to Pakistanis as "Paks".

The New York Times - Magazine

The commission has been chided for missing deadlines before, a criticism its president, Loretta Lynch, scoffs at.

The New York Times

More recently, The Westchester has been chided for raising its rents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be chided for", ensure that the reason for the chiding is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The student was chided for not completing the assignment on time."

Common error

Avoid using "be chided for" in extremely formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly informal. Consider using "be reprimanded for" or "be criticized for" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be chided for" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone is receiving mild criticism or a gentle rebuke. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be chided for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express mild disapproval or gentle reprimand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Economist shows its acceptability in general writing. While functional, consider "be criticized for" or "be reprimanded for" in more formal contexts to convey a stronger sense of disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be criticized for

This alternative is a more direct and common way of expressing disapproval.

be reprimanded for

This alternative uses a more formal term for expressing disapproval.

be rebuked for

This alternative implies a formal and stern disapproval.

be scolded for

This alternative suggests a milder form of reprimand, often used for children.

be admonished for

This alternative suggests a gentle but firm warning.

be taken to task for

This alternative means to be severely criticized or reprimanded.

receive criticism for

This alternative focuses on receiving the negative feedback, rather than the act of chiding.

face censure for

This alternative implies a formal expression of disapproval.

be reproached for

This alternative denotes expressing disapproval or disappointment.

be blamed for

This alternative suggests assigning responsibility for something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "be chided for" in a sentence?

You can use "be chided for" to indicate that someone has been mildly scolded or rebuked for something. For example: "The employee was chided for being late to the meeting."

What is a good alternative to "be chided for"?

Alternatives include "be criticized for", "be reprimanded for", or "be scolded for" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be chided for" formal or informal?

"Be chided for" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, leaning slightly towards informal. More formal alternatives include "be reprimanded for" or "be rebuked for".

What's the difference between "be chided for" and "be criticized for"?

While both phrases indicate disapproval, "be chided for" suggests a milder form of reprimand. "Be criticized for" implies a more serious or formal expression of disapproval.