got written up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got written up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a workplace context to indicate that someone has received a formal reprimand or disciplinary action for their behavior or performance. Example: "After being late multiple times, he finally got written up by his manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I got written up so many times for not delegating responsibility and not training others.

The New York Times

While he was writing "Playbook," Allen got written up for journalistic lapses and for occasionally writing very favorably in his own voice on behalf of the newsletter's sponsors.

The Washington Post

"She told me that he got written up for, how she say it, uh, two felony murders or something," the friend says.

The New York Times

This got written up in an internal briefing note for Lib Dem senior figures on what Clegg had said in his interview.

The Guardian

Greg remembers those as the very worst years, a period when he occasionally turned to prison dope and moonshine for brief relief and when he got written up a number of times for minor infractions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Soon afterward, Franko was accused of mouthing off to some guards at count (Franko says it was a miscommunication), got written up, and had his film privilege temporarily revoked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

At a normal job, I'd have an attitude, get written up, get written up again, get fired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Even my translators get written up over there".

The New York Times

You excommunicate, and you get written up on the front page.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I figured out a long time ago, like, if I have a kid that goes to Notre Dame and he gets written up in South Bend, I get written up in South Bend.

The New Yorker

Such cases don't get written up in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, but they are the norm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got written up" in contexts where an individual has received a formal reprimand or disciplinary notice at work or school. Avoid using it in overly formal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "got written up" when the situation involves a minor, informal scolding. It's best suited for instances where a formal record is created.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got written up" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a formal reprimand or disciplinary action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where someone has been officially documented for misconduct. It's commonly used in describing workplace or school-related incidents.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got written up" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of receiving a formal reprimand or disciplinary action, most commonly in workplace or school settings. While Ludwig AI marks it as correct, it leans towards a neutral register. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "received a reprimand" or "faced disciplinary action" are more appropriate. While the phrase is not incorrect, its usage should be considered in the context of the writing and audience. The authoritative sources and examples provided by Ludwig highlight the phrase's utility in news and media, but less so in strictly formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a reprimand

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of receiving an official warning.

was reprimanded

Passive voice emphasizing the action of being reprimanded.

received a formal warning

Explicitly states the warning was formal.

faced disciplinary action

Highlights the broader consequence of disciplinary measures.

was subject to disciplinary measures

Similar to facing disciplinary action but more passive.

had a complaint filed against them

Focuses on the initiation of the disciplinary process.

was cited for misconduct

Highlights specific violations leading to the reprimand.

featured in the media

Describes the act of being written about in media.

gained media coverage

Similar to "featured in the media" but emphasizes the extent of coverage.

was noted in a report

Refers to being formally mentioned in a document.

FAQs

What does "got written up" mean?

The phrase "got written up" means someone received a formal reprimand or disciplinary action, usually in a workplace or school setting. It indicates that the incident was documented.

What are some alternatives to saying "got written up"?

You can use alternatives like "received a reprimand", "was reprimanded", or "faced disciplinary action" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "got written up" in a formal context?

While understandable, "got written up" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, opt for phrases like "received a formal warning" or "was subject to disciplinary measures".

What's the difference between "got written up" and "got suspended"?

"Got written up" implies a formal warning or reprimand. "Got suspended" indicates a temporary removal from duties or activities as a form of punishment. Suspension is a more severe consequence than getting written up.