be scolded

USAGE SUMMARY

"be scolded" can be a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to describe the action of someone receiving a scolding or verbal reprimand from another person. Example: After forgetting to take out the trash for the third time, Tim was scolded by his mother for being irresponsible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To be scolded?

The New Yorker

The dogs are gods to be scolded.

The Guardian - Books

The Marinos don't need to be scolded.

The New York Times

"I didn't need to be scolded.

The New York Times

Bosses have been summoned to Washington to be scolded on live television.

The Economist

He did not want to be scolded for endangering himself or harming company property.

The New Yorker

The money people can't be scolded because they might not come back.

The New York Times

We apologize for them, and stand ready to be scolded and corrected.

The New York Times - Books

Foreign investors began to be scolded for not reinvesting more of their profits.

The Economist

To be scolded by critics and embraced by ordinary readers was a familiar experience for him.

The New Yorker

Like Blair, he will be scolded for it by many activists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be scolded" to indicate someone is receiving a verbal reprimand for their actions. It's best suited for situations where the tone is disapproving but not excessively harsh. Consider the audience and context to determine if a more formal or informal alternative would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be scolded" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for alternatives like "be reprimanded" or "be rebuked" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be scolded" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action (scolding). It commonly describes the experience of receiving a reprimand or rebuke, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be scolded" is a commonly used phrase that indicates someone is receiving a verbal reprimand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider the audience and context when choosing between "be scolded" and more formal alternatives like "be reprimanded". Remember, "be scolded" is best suited for expressing mild disapproval or correction, while alternatives may convey stronger or more formal criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reprimanded

Direct synonym, but generally implies a more formal context than "scolded".

be rebuked

Similar to reprimanded, but with a stronger connotation of disapproval.

receive a reprimand

Focuses on the act of receiving a formal reprimand, which is more formal than a scolding.

be admonished

Implies a gentle but firm scolding, often with a warning.

be dressed down

Suggests a severe and often public scolding.

be lectured

Implies a longer, more didactic scolding.

be chewed out

An informal and more aggressive version of being scolded.

get a telling-off

An informal, British English alternative to being scolded.

catch flak

Informal and implies receiving criticism or blame, often from multiple sources.

face criticism

Focuses on the act of facing negative feedback, which can be milder than a scolding.

FAQs

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

You can use "be scolded" to describe someone receiving a verbal reprimand. For example, "The student expected to be scolded for arriving late to class."

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

More formal alternatives to "be scolded" include "be reprimanded", "be rebuked", or "be admonished".

Is "be scolded" appropriate for all contexts?

While "be scolded" is widely understood, it may not be suitable for highly formal or professional settings. Consider the audience and choose a more appropriate phrase if necessary, such as "receive a reprimand".

What is the difference between "be scolded" and "be lectured"?

"Be scolded" implies a relatively brief reprimand, while "be lectured" suggests a longer, more instructional form of scolding, often including advice or explanations.