chew someone out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chew someone out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of reprimanding or scolding someone, often in a harsh or angry manner. Example: "After missing the deadline, the manager really chewed him out in front of the whole team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I thought he was going to chew someone's face off".

The New Yorker

Shortly after, he deleted the tweet and tried to play it off like he was making a joke about football or something, likely after someone chewed him out for ruining the big surprise.

Vice

If a little boy was seen playing in the street, someone else's Dad would yank him out of the street, sit him down, chew him out, and pull him by his collar to his parents.

Huffington Post

He would chew her out, profanely, at almost any pretext.

The New York Times - Books

So, until next time, chew on that, but don't chew me out if yours wasn't picked.

The New Yorker

Darrel's gonna chew me out over the Simmons account.

Vice

Don't chew them out, though.

WikiHow

"You expect to be chewed out in that situation.

The New York Times - Sports

If someone chews you out in a meeting, you're more likely to snub them later in the break room or badmouth them to colleagues than key their car or smash their laptop.

BBC

His wife "chewed" him out, Mr. Walaker recalled.

The New York Times

Coughlin chewed him out after that one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chew someone out" when you want to convey a sense of intense scolding or reprimanding. It's more impactful than simply saying 'scold' or 'reprimand'.

Common error

Avoid using "chew someone out" in contexts that require a mild or gentle correction. The phrase implies a strong, often angry, reprimand and is inappropriate for minor errors.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "chew someone out" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the act of verbally scolding someone, often in a harsh or angry manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chew someone out" is an informal idiom used to describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone severely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, especially in informal contexts. While less frequent in formal settings, it effectively conveys a strong sense of disapproval. Related phrases like "scold severely" or "dress someone down" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with varying degrees of intensity. When writing, remember that "chew someone out" is more impactful and is inappropriate for minor errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scold someone severely

This alternative directly replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more literal description of the action.

reprimand someone harshly

Similar to scolding, but often implies a more formal or official rebuke.

dress someone down

This is another idiom that carries a similar meaning but might imply a more thorough and comprehensive scolding.

give someone a tongue-lashing

This suggests a verbal attack or a very harsh scolding.

berate someone

Implies a prolonged and critical scolding.

lay into someone

Suggests a forceful and angry verbal assault.

tell someone off

A more informal way of saying to scold someone.

give someone a piece of your mind

Expresses the act of telling someone exactly what you think, often in anger.

rebuke someone sternly

Implies a serious and authoritative disapproval.

criticize someone severely

A more general term for expressing strong disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "chew someone out" in a sentence?

Use "chew someone out" when you want to express a harsh scolding or reprimand. For example, "The manager "scolded him" after he missed the deadline".

What can I say instead of "chew someone out"?

You can use alternatives like "scold severely", "reprimand harshly", or "dress someone down" depending on the context.

Is "chew someone out" formal or informal?

"Chew someone out" is an informal idiom. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings. In those cases, prefer more formal alternatives such as "issue a reprimand" or "deliver a scolding".

What does it mean to say someone was "chewed out"?

To be "chewed out" means that someone has been severely scolded or reprimanded, usually in an angry or forceful manner. The expression suggests a strong verbal rebuke.