be taken to task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be taken to task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is criticized or held accountable for their actions or behavior. Example: "After missing the deadline, he was taken to task by his supervisor during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Governments can be taken to task by bringing issues through shadow reports to the treaty bodies.

The Guardian

Pinochet was sure that he would never be taken to task or brought to trial.

The Guardian

But both contractors are likely to be taken to task by Republican and Democratic committee members.

The Washington Post

The charter says serious non-compliers will be taken to task at future summits.

The Economist

But Drohojowska-Philp shouldn't be taken to task for not writing one of them.

The New York Times - Books

Those verbally abusing him on the closing stretch as he pursued that goal should be taken to task.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

(The book was taken to task for oversimplying matters.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet he has also been taken to task.

The Washington Post

However the RGT has been taken to task for being too close to the industry.

The Guardian

"I was taken to task by Norman Mailer about my approach to writing novels," Ellis goes on.

The Guardian - Books

He is taken to task for not aggressively pursuing the politicians collaborating with the cartels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be taken to task" when you want to emphasize that someone is being formally or seriously criticized for their actions, especially in professional or public contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be taken to task" in casual situations where a simple expression of disapproval would suffice. This phrase implies a more formal and consequential rebuke.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be taken to task" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone is being criticized or held accountable for their actions or decisions. It is a common way to express that a person or entity is facing scrutiny or reprimand, as evidenced by the many examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be taken to task" is a versatile phrase primarily used in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig. It conveys that someone is being criticized or held accountable, often in a formal setting. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. While it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts, knowing less formal alternatives helps writers avoid overstating criticism in casual conversations. The phrase’s prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be held accountable

Emphasizes the responsibility and consequences for one's actions.

be called to account

A more formal and legalistic version of being held responsible.

be reprimanded

Focuses more on the act of formal rebuke or censure.

answer for

Focuses on the need to provide an explanation or justification for actions.

be censured

Suggests a formal and often public condemnation.

be brought to book

Implies a formal punishment or reckoning for wrongdoing.

face criticism

Highlights the experience of being criticized, often publicly.

be sanctioned

Implies a formal and often official punishment or disapproval.

be penalized

Focuses on the imposition of a penalty for a mistake or violation.

receive a dressing-down

Indicates a severe scolding or reprimand.

FAQs

How can I use "be taken to task" in a sentence?

You can use "be taken to task" to indicate that someone is being criticized or held accountable for their actions. For example, "The CEO was "be taken to task" by the board for the company's poor performance".

What's a less formal alternative to "be taken to task"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "be criticized", "be reprimanded", or "be scolded", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "be taken to task" and "be held accountable"?

"Be taken to task" implies a direct and often formal criticism, while "be held accountable" emphasizes the responsibility and consequences for one's actions. The former focuses on the act of criticizing; the latter, on the obligation to answer for something.

Is it appropriate to use "be taken to task" in academic writing?

Yes, "be taken to task" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when discussing formal critiques or evaluations. However, ensure the tone remains objective and professional.