chastise him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chastise him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reprimanding or scolding someone for their behavior or actions. Example: "The teacher decided to chastise him for not completing his homework on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

His opponents, however, were quick to chastise him.

The New York Times

You may like to chastise him for his incompetence later.

The Guardian - Sport

And he didn't have a coach in town to chastise him.

The New Yorker

His depredations grew increasingly audacious, and several minor expeditions sent to chastise him proved ineffective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor does he worry that others might chastise him for writing poetry in his room.

The New York Times

"You can't have charismatic abilities to execute the marvelous shots and then chastise him when that same passion causes him to overload when he hits a bad shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

His father chastises him.

The New Yorker

She simply chastises him for being "late".

Independent

In the margin, Mrs. Nabokov chastised him.

The New Yorker

Walton chastised him for asking McNamee too many repetitive questions.

The New York Times - Sports

Afterward, in private, Sanders chastised him for the informal language.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when deciding to use "chastise him". In more casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "chastise him" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and overly harsh in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chastise him" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "chastise" is the verb and "him" is the object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid English phrase used to describe the act of reprimanding someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chastise him" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of reprimanding someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While versatile, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Consider synonyms like "scold" or "reprimand" for varying degrees of formality. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand him

Replaces "chastise" with a more formal synonym, indicating a severe rebuke.

scold him

Uses a simpler, more common term for expressing disapproval and correction.

rebuke him

Suggests a sharp expression of disapproval, similar in formality to reprimand.

admonish him

Implies a gentle but firm warning, often for a fault or error.

reprove him

Indicates a formal disapproval or censure, often implying a sense of correction.

call him out

Uses a more contemporary expression for publicly pointing out someone's mistake or inappropriate behavior.

give him a talking-to

An informal phrase meaning to scold or reprimand someone.

dress him down

Means to scold someone severely, often in a public setting.

berate him

Suggests a prolonged and vehement scolding.

lecture him

Implies giving a lengthy and often moralizing reprimand.

FAQs

What does "chastise him" mean?

"Chastise him" means to severely reprimand or scold someone for their actions or behavior.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "chastise him"?

It's appropriate to use "chastise him" in formal contexts where a strong rebuke is warranted. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "scold him" or "reprimand him".

What are some alternatives to "chastise him"?

Alternatives include "reprimand him", "scold him", "rebuke him", or "admonish him". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chastise him" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "chastise him" is generally considered too formal for casual conversations. Simpler terms like "scold him" or "tell him off" are more suitable in informal settings.