berate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "berate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of scolding or criticizing someone angrily. Example: "The teacher began to berate the students for their lack of preparation for the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There he once returned to the dressing room after training to find armed men eager to berate the team for their failings.

The Guardian - Sport

Better, they clearly believe, to keep him in situ and berate him continually in order to undermine Labour.

The Guardian

When the house lights go down for the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood on 22 February, much of the speculation will be about Birdman, Boyhood and whether JK Simmons, star of Whiplash, will berate the orchestra for being slightly off-tempo.

The Guardian - Film

Because the teams themselves now have a stake in the decision-making, captains can no longer berate an umpire's perceived bias or accuse a batsman of poor sportsmanship.

The Economist

China, which is rarely slow to berate Japan for wartime amnesia, has waded in too.

The Economist

Many people in Diyarbakir also insist that a partial or full amnesty for the thousands of PKK guerrillas up in the mountains would end the Kurds' rebellion forthwith.While Turks tend to berate the EU for its perceived partiality in favour of the Kurds, the Kurds themselves see things rather differently.

The Economist

And nowhere is this chicanery more evident than in energy, the area of policy closest to the financial and personal interests of Mr Bush and his vice-president, Dick Cheney.What energy crisis?The great irony is that while greens invent an environmental crisis with which to berate Mr Bush, he himself invents an energy crisis to justify his ungreen, pork-barrel energy policies.

The Economist

Though he says he has a high motive for it, Mr Hague has plainly used the Damilola case to berate the government for failing to raise police numbers.

The Economist

The Democrats have abandoned the idea that politics stops at the water's edge to berate the Bush administration for its "dangerous incompetence" over Iraq.

The Economist

Women berate any young man who says he wants to take up arms.

The Economist

The film star Angelina Jolie, for example, has backed up her public advocacy of the cause of refugees with substantial gifts to refugee organisations.The media, which used to take little notice of charitable donations, now eagerly rank the super-rich by their munificence and berate those they regard as tight-fisted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "berate" when you want to convey a sense of strong, often prolonged, criticism or scolding. It's suitable when someone is being heavily reprimanded for their actions or failings.

Common error

Avoid using "berate" when a milder term like "criticize" or "advise" would be more appropriate. "Berate" implies a severity that doesn't fit all situations, and overusing it can make your writing sound overly harsh.

Linguistic Context

The verb "berate" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing the act of strongly criticizing or scolding someone. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "berate" is a verb used to describe the act of strongly and critically scolding someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonymous with terms like "reprimand" or "castigate", it carries a connotation of prolonged and intense criticism. When using "berate", ensure the context warrants such a strong term, and avoid overuse to maintain a balanced tone. With an expert rating of 4.5, "berate" is a reliable and effective word when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebuke

Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.

reprimand

A formal expression of disapproval, typically from a superior.

lambaste

Criticize (someone or something) harshly.

scold harshly

Implies a severe reprimand, focusing on the intensity of the scolding.

censure

Express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement.

reproach severely

Focuses on expressing disappointment or disapproval in a stern manner.

chastise

To punish or criticize severely.

reproach

Address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

castigate

Involves strong condemnation, often in a public setting.

admonish

Suggests a gentler form of warning or reprimand, often with good intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "berate" in a sentence?

You can use "berate" to describe someone scolding or criticizing another person vehemently. For example: "The manager began to berate the employee for their repeated tardiness."

What are some synonyms for "berate"?

Alternatives to "berate" include "scold harshly", "reprimand", and "castigate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "berate" in formal writing?

Yes, "berate" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing a situation where someone is being strongly and critically reprimanded. However, consider the tone and audience, as it carries a strong negative connotation.

What's the difference between "berate" and "criticize"?

"Criticize" is a general term for expressing disapproval, while "berate" implies a more intense and prolonged scolding. You might criticize someone's work, but you would berate them for a serious breach of conduct.