be rebuked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be rebuked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone being criticized or reprimanded for a specific action or behavior. Example: "He was rebuked for his inappropriate comments during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Rangel, summoned to the well of the House to be rebuked for having "violated the public trust," insisted that his failures were of repeated sloppiness not corruption.

The New York Times

A literature student would be rebuked for assuming the "I" in a poem is inevitably the writer or that the events described are factually accurate.

The Guardian

"They're just passing the buck". Almost everyone has heard of someone graciously offering a seat to a "pregnant" woman, only to be rebuked for their insensitivity.

BBC

I recall times when I'd get an "A" on an exam, only to be rebuked for not scoring higher than a classmate.

Huffington Post

For many of them, it is really the first time that they have the luxury to ask questions and not be rebuked for asking them, or being told, "You know better than that," or just not taken seriously.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some have been rebuked for wearing slogan T-shirts.

The Guardian

The British government was rebuked for providing funds to nonmilitant Salafi organizations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Britain has also been rebuked for not taking its "fair share" of refugees.

The Guardian

Even priests were rebuked for their silver girdles with baselards (short swords).

Britannica

Brutus, Julius Caesar's assassin, was rebuked for charging a rate of 48% when the legal limit was 12%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be rebuked for" to convey a sense of formal disapproval or reprimand, especially when the context involves ethics, professional conduct, or adherence to established rules.

Common error

Avoid using "be rebuked for" in situations that warrant only mild criticism or a simple correction. The phrase suggests a significant level of disapproval, so ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be rebuked for" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something has received strong disapproval or censure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase highlights the consequence of an action or behavior that warrants reprimand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be rebuked for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey strong disapproval or censure, often in the context of ethical breaches or professional misconduct. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and media, suggesting its suitability for formal reporting. Alternatives such as ""be criticized for"" or ""be reprimanded for"" offer options with varying degrees of intensity. When employing this phrase, consider the severity of the situation to ensure it aligns with the level of disapproval being expressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be criticized for

Replaces "rebuked" with a more general term for disapproval, reducing the intensity of the reprimand.

be reprimanded for

Similar to "rebuked" but can imply a more formal or official censure.

be chastised for

Suggests a scolding or strong disapproval, often with an element of correction.

be condemned for

Indicates a strong and public disapproval, often with moral or ethical implications.

be admonished for

Implies a gentle but firm warning or reprimand, often given by someone in authority.

face censure for

Focuses on the formal process or act of being censured, rather than the feeling of being rebuked.

receive flak for

An informal way to say someone is receiving strong criticism, often unexpectedly.

draw criticism for

Highlights the act of attracting criticism, rather than the act of rebuking itself.

be taken to task for

To be corrected or blamed for something.

be blamed for

Directly assigns responsibility and fault for an action or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "be rebuked for" to indicate that someone has received a formal or strong disapproval for a particular action. For example, "The politician was "be rebuked for" his inappropriate comments."

What are some alternatives to "be rebuked for"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "be rebuked for"?

It's appropriate when the disapproval is significant and often involves a formal reprimand or ethical violation. Avoid using it for minor errors or oversights.

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

"Be rebuked for" implies a stronger, more formal disapproval than ""be criticized for"". Rebuking suggests a significant breach of conduct or ethics, while criticism can be more general.