getting told off

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting told off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone receiving a reprimand or scolding. Example: "After forgetting to submit the report, he ended up getting told off by his manager." Alternative expressions include "being reprimanded" and "getting scolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I kept getting told off for walking".

The Guardian - Music

"It's certainly much better than getting told off".

The New York Times

He follows her around like an out-of-favour pug, getting told off by her and other alpha females.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So one will give you non-stop glitz and glamour, and the other the chance to watch celebrities getting told off for not working harder on their footwork.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I haven't had a lazy weekend breakfast with my husband without it involving me feeding him (and getting told off for poking the pointy bit of the toast too far into his mouth on one fraught occasion).

Independent

We would go to every match home and away and me and my brother would be on the sidelines hitting balls, and getting told off for hitting them on to the outfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I would get told off a lot.

The Guardian

And get told off by Judi Dench.

The Guardian

I presumed we'd get told off, and shown photos of horrific accidents.

Independent

We'd get told off a lot by our producer and then we'd sit together at dinner, silent.

The New Yorker

"And often get told off for it because it was meant to go on camera," she added.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting told off" to describe situations where someone is being corrected or scolded for a mistake or misbehavior. It is often used in informal contexts or when describing everyday occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "getting told off" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more formal alternatives like "being reprimanded" or "receiving a formal warning" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting told off" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of receiving a scolding or reprimand. Ludwig examples show it used to describe experiences in school, at home, and in professional settings, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting told off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of receiving a scolding or reprimand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is mainly found in News & Media contexts and has a neutral to informal register. While suitable for everyday conversation and narratives, it should be avoided in highly formal or professional settings. Alternatives like "being reprimanded" or "receiving a scolding" might be more appropriate in such contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being told off

Uses a more standard phrasing.

being reprimanded

Focuses on a formal expression of disapproval.

receiving a scolding

Emphasizes a more parental or authoritative rebuke.

being rebuked

Indicates a sharp and stern disapproval.

getting a lecture

Implies a lengthy and possibly moralizing reprimand.

being called out

Highlights being publicly corrected or criticized.

catching flak

Suggests receiving criticism, often in a public context.

being taken to task

Means being challenged or criticized for a specific action or failure.

facing censure

Involves formal disapproval, often from an organization.

taking the blame

Implies accepting responsibility for something wrong and facing the consequences.

FAQs

What does "getting told off" mean?

The phrase "getting told off" means receiving a scolding or reprimand for something you have done wrong. It is a common way to describe being corrected by someone in authority.

Is "getting told off" formal or informal?

"Getting told off" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal settings, you might use phrases like "being reprimanded" or "receiving a scolding" instead.

What are some similar phrases to "getting told off"?

Similar phrases include "being scolded", "being reprimanded", "receiving a lecture", or "being admonished". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

How can I avoid "getting told off"?

To avoid "getting told off", pay attention to rules and expectations, listen carefully to instructions, and take responsibility for your actions. If you make a mistake, apologize and try to learn from it.