discipline someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discipline someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is being corrected or punished for their behavior. An example would be: "The teacher had to discipline the student for breaking the rules." Alternative expressions include "correct someone" and "punish someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Tory councillor suspends herself It can be very painful for a political leader to have to discipline someone who has put in time and unpaid work for the party because of some foolish action.

Independent

In every scientific discipline someone is announcing--credibly, in some cases--the end of "traditional" science in that field.

Science Magazine

But this word actually means something more like "moral discipline"; someone has śīla when, having made a commitment to follow a certain set of moral rules, she is actually disposed to follow those rules.

SEP

Hire someone, discipline someone, correct a procedure, institute a new checkpoint, find a different vendor -- possible solutions are practically infinite.

Huffington Post

Prison gangs are somewhat secretive 'cause you never know who a snitch is, and the authorities frown upon gangs and can discipline someone for being affiliated with one.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When Saban disciplines someone, it is Square who consoles them.

The New York Times - Sports

If an employer disciplines someone because they have become aware of such discussions, this could amount to victimisation under the Act.

The Guardian

Whether it's in a one-on-one meeting, where you have to handle the very difficult task of disciplining someone, or whether it is criticizing someone in a team environment, I think knowing how to do that is very important.

The New York Times

Joy, whose dark hair sets off her pale skin and almond eyes, has the maturity, not to mention the discipline, of someone far older.

The New York Times - Arts

As Michelle Perrot likes to say, the revolution didn't change this; it simply replaced the king with what you could call a class of super-citizens — the citizens who know best when it comes to what's good for the people or what the people should do, and this means that the people accept an astonishing amount of discipline when someone in charge demands it.

The New Yorker

As Michelle Perrot likes to say, the revolution didn't change this; it simply replaced the king with what you could call a class of super-citizens the citizensuper-citizens theen it citizens whot's good for the people or what the people should do, and this means that the people accept an astonishing amount of discipline when someone in charge demands it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discipline someone", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of corrective action being taken. Be specific about the method of discipline if relevant.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences like "Discipline needs to be given to someone", which is less direct and impactful than "Discipline someone" or "Someone needs to be disciplined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discipline someone" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "discipline" is the verb and "someone" is the direct object. It describes the act of imposing corrective measures on an individual. Ludwig confirms that this expression is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "discipline someone" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of correcting or punishing an individual. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "correct someone" or "reprimand someone" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is a clear, direct way to express the act of disciplining another person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impose discipline on someone

Formal way of saying the same, focusing on the act of discipline.

Correct someone

Focuses on pointing out errors rather than formal disciplinary action.

Punish someone

Implies imposing a penalty for wrongdoing, often more severe than discipline.

Reprimand someone

Suggests a formal rebuke or scolding.

Admonish someone

Implies a gentle but firm warning.

Chastise someone

Implies a strong verbal rebuke, often with a moral undertone.

Bring someone to account

Focuses on holding someone responsible for their actions.

Take someone to task

Similar to reprimanding, but can also imply assigning a difficult job.

Sanction someone

Implies imposing a formal penalty, often in a legal or organizational context.

Call someone to order

Used in formal settings, it implies bringing someone back to proper conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "discipline someone" in a sentence?

You can use "discipline someone" in a sentence to describe the act of correcting or punishing someone for their behavior. For example, "The manager had to discipline the employee for being late". You can also use alternatives like "correct someone" or "reprimand someone".

What is a more formal way to say "discipline someone"?

A more formal way to say "discipline someone" is "impose discipline on someone". This phrasing is suitable for official reports or formal communication.

What's the difference between "discipline someone" and "punish someone"?

"Discipline someone" generally refers to correcting behavior, while "punish someone" implies a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing. Discipline aims to teach and correct, while punishment focuses on retribution.

When is it appropriate to use "discipline someone"?

It is appropriate to use "discipline someone" when someone has violated a rule, policy, or standard of conduct. It implies a need for corrective action to prevent future occurrences.