be dressed down

USAGE SUMMARY

"be dressed down" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone being reprimanded or criticized, often in a formal or professional context. An example: "After the meeting, he was dressed down by his manager for missing the deadline." Alternative expressions include "be reprimanded" and "be scolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The editors who permitted this affront should be dressed down for an unpardonable lapse of taste.

The New York Times

OAN employees recounted receiving reprimands signed by Robert Herring or being called into his office to be dressed down for "insubordination" when they ran stories he disapproved of.

The Washington Post

She might be dressed down and not wearing any make-up (the candlelight and shades help, she says), but Nicks is still a compelling presence.

The Guardian - Music

The show's title is taken from the hospital's Monday morning review meetings, where the surgeons gather to be dressed down by the chief of staff, Dr. Harding Hooten Alfred Molinaa).

The New York Times - Arts

Public security officials have summoned dozens of foreign journalists in Beijing and Shanghai to be dressed down on videotape, warning them that they had broken reporting regulations by visiting locations that had been selected as protest sites in Internet postings.

The New York Times

When someone needs to be dressed down, Brendel does it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

One reason she may be dressing down is that she doesn't feel good about her appearance.

WikiHow

Not every footballer would accept being dressed down so harshly.

The Guardian - Sport

These new, smaller restaurants are dressed down by design.

The New York Times - Food

History, philosophy, and religion are dressed down, and humor rules the day.

Princeton University

She was dressed down in a T-shirt, hoodie and fashionably shredded MiH jeans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be dressed down" to describe situations where someone receives a formal or significant reprimand, often from a superior or authority figure. Ensure the context supports the level of criticism implied by the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "be dressed down" when simply describing someone's casual attire. This phrase primarily refers to receiving criticism, not to clothing choices. Use "dressed down" in an appropriate context, where a garment that is normally perceived as elegant is paired with a casual one. Example: "The suit was dressed down when paired with Converse shoes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dressed down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb in the passive voice. It indicates that someone is the recipient of a strong reprimand or scolding. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where individuals or groups "be dressed down" by authority figures for various transgressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be dressed down" is a phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of receiving a reprimand or criticism, often from someone in authority. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees common usage in News & Media contexts. While "dressed down" can refer to attire, it's important not to confuse this with the verb form. For scenarios where you need alternatives, consider options like "be reprimanded" or "get chewed out", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reprimanded

Highlights a formal rebuke or censure, typically from an authority figure.

be taken to task

Suggests being held accountable and criticized for a mistake or failing.

receive a scolding

Focuses on receiving a reprimand, emphasizing the action's recipient.

be rebuked

Indicates a strong disapproval or criticism, often in a formal setting.

get chewed out

Implies a harsh verbal rebuke, often used in informal contexts.

be berated

Conveys a prolonged and vehement criticism or scolding.

get a telling-off

A British English term for receiving a scolding or reprimand.

be given a lecture

Implies receiving a lengthy and often unwanted scolding or piece of advice.

dress casually

Shifts the context to attire, meaning to wear informal clothing.

wear informal clothes

Directly refers to wearing clothes suitable for casual occasions.

FAQs

How can I use "be dressed down" in a sentence?

You can use "be dressed down" to describe someone receiving a strong reprimand. For example, "The employee was dressed down by the manager for the critical error".

What's a more formal way to say "be dressed down"?

A more formal alternative to "be dressed down" is to "be reprimanded", which implies a formal rebuke.

What's a less formal way to say "be dressed down"?

Informally, you could say someone "got chewed out" or "got a telling-off", depending on the region.

Is it correct to use "be dressed down" to describe casual clothing?

While the phrase "dressed down" can describe clothing, "be dressed down" typically refers to receiving a reprimand. For casual clothing, use "dressed down" or "casually dressed". For example, "She was dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt".