be rebuked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be rebuked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being reprimanded or criticized for their actions or behavior. Example: "If you continue to disregard the rules, you will be rebuked by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The lawyers deserve to be rebuked, but the Supreme Court deserves blame as well.

The New York Times

"Seven and a half years without a repeat is not a record to be rebuked and scorned, much less criminalized.

The New Yorker

Several jumped onto the referee stand, only to be rebuked by Logan Tom, a four-time United States Olympian.

The New York Times - Sports

Vanier teaches, in word and deed, that the strong must let themselves be rebuked by the weak.

The Guardian - Opinion

Were a politician to write such documents today, he would be rebuked for "imposing religion" on his fellow Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

An outside watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said it did not understand how Mr. Rangel could be rebuked while the other lawmakers were not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I was rebuked".

The New Yorker

"I was rebuked, I was attacked," he said.

Independent

When I was rebuked by contacts, I feared.

The Economist

He was rebuked by the Republican leader, Trent Lott.

The New York Times

Rabinowitz was rebuked by the judge for wearing slacks.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be rebuked", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the rebuking and for what reason. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be rebuked" in informal settings; it carries a level of formality that may sound out of place in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "be criticized" or "be told off" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

"Be rebuked" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being criticized or reprimanded. It often appears in formal contexts to describe situations where someone is officially or strongly disapproved of. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be rebuked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, primarily found in news and media, as well as wiki and scientific contexts. It serves to express disapproval or censure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in indicating the source and reason for the rebuke. While versatile, avoid using it in informal settings. Consider context-appropriate alternatives like "be reprimanded" or "be criticized" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reprimanded

Indicates a formal or official reproof.

be criticized

General expression for disapproval or fault-finding.

be censured

Suggests a formal and public condemnation.

be reproved

Implies a gentle or kindly criticism.

be admonished

Conveys a warning or cautionary advice with criticism.

be chastised

Suggests punishment or severe criticism.

be taken to task

Indicates being held accountable and criticized for a failing.

be called out

Informal expression for publicly criticizing someone.

receive a scolding

Suggests a harsh reprimand, often from someone in authority.

be dressed down

Informal expression for receiving a severe reprimand.

FAQs

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

Use "be rebuked" to describe a situation where someone receives a strong reprimand or criticism. For example, "The politician expected to "be rebuked" for his controversial remarks".

What's the difference between "be rebuked" and "be reprimanded"?

"Be rebuked" and "be reprimanded" are quite similar, both suggesting criticism. However, "be rebuked" often implies a stronger, more forceful expression of disapproval than "be reprimanded". Consider alternatives like "be admonished" or "be censured" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "be rebuked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be criticized", "be reprimanded", or "be censured". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was rebuked" or should I use another tense?

Both "was rebuked" and "be rebuked" are grammatically correct, depending on the intended tense. "Was rebuked" indicates a past event, while "be rebuked" is often used in conditional or future constructions. The passive form "were rebuked" can be used for past plural forms.