issue a rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue a rebuke" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to express disapproval or criticism towards someone's actions or behavior. You can use it in a formal or serious context, such as in a professional setting or in a disciplinary situation. Example: After her inappropriate behavior at the company party, the HR manager had to issue a rebuke to the employee in front of the entire staff.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Archbishop Gomez should do more than issue a rebuke.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His son issued a rebuke.

The New York Times

He never publicly issued a rebuke.

The Guardian

She took the phrase "the court judgment was billed almost as a judicial rebuke" to mean that, in the writer's opinion, the judge was issuing a rebuke.

The Guardian - Opinion

A meeting among G-7 finance ministers last weekend ended in rancor, with economic officials from the other six members issuing a rebuke of Washington.

The Washington Post

Gen. Augusto Pinochet issued a rebuke Tuesday to a United Nations agency for denouncing reported killings and torture by Chile's security police.

The New York Times

On Thursday, a federal appeals court issued a rebuke of Judge Rakoff's recent rejection of the Securities and Exchange Commission's settlement of a fraud case against Citigroup because the deal had allowed the company to avoid admitting any wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Delaware's highest court issued a rebuke of Leo E. Strine Jr., the chief judge of the Delaware Court of Chancery, "criticizing him for what it said was an improper digression in an opinion," DealBook's Peter Lattman writes.

The New York Times

Williams issued a rebuke of the ECUSA for breaking the 2004 moratorium, and the Anglican Communion imposed sanctions on the ECUSA, barring it from participating in ecumenical dialogue and removing its decision-making powers in matters of church doctrine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even as voters in many states were issuing a rebuke to lawmakers who supported climate change legislation in Washington, the people of California, as is their custom, were moving in a different direction.

The New York Times

MUMBAI, India — The Supreme Court of India issued a rebuke to the government Thursday by canceling 122 telecommunications licenses that were sold at below-market prices in 2008 amid a corruption scandal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. "Issue a rebuke" is generally more appropriate for formal settings and less suited for casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "issue a rebuke" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "criticize" or "disapprove" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue a rebuke" functions as a performative verb construction, where the act of uttering the phrase (or its written form) accomplishes the action itself. The phrase acts as a verb phrase, where 'issue' functions as the verb and 'a rebuke' functions as the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue a rebuke" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to formally express disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources, implying a formal or professional context. When choosing to use this phrase, it's important to ensure that the setting warrants such a formal expression. Alternatives such as "deliver a reprimand" or "express disapproval" may be more appropriate in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver a reprimand

Replaces 'issue' with 'deliver', implying a formal communication of disapproval.

express disapproval

Focuses on the act of showing disapproval, without necessarily implying a formal statement.

voice criticism

Emphasizes the act of speaking out against something, which may be less formal than a rebuke.

administer a scolding

Implies a more parental or authoritative form of reprimand, often less formal.

lodge a complaint

Highlights the act of making a formal grievance or objection.

offer a reproach

Suggests a gentle or mild form of criticism, potentially offered with understanding.

read the riot act

An idiomatic expression suggesting a stern warning or reprimand, often about behavior.

censure publicly

Highlights the public nature of the disapproval, focusing on formal condemnation.

reprove strongly

Emphasizes the strength or intensity of the disapproval expressed.

call to account

Suggests demanding an explanation for actions, often with an implied criticism.

FAQs

How to use "issue a rebuke" in a sentence?

Use "issue a rebuke" when you want to express a formal disapproval or criticism. For example, "The manager had to issue a rebuke to the employee for their unprofessional conduct."

What can I say instead of "issue a rebuke"?

You can use alternatives like "deliver a reprimand", "express disapproval", or "voice criticism" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "issue a rebuke"?

It's appropriate to "issue a rebuke" in formal settings, such as a workplace, legal context, or official statement, when addressing misconduct or unacceptable behavior.

What is the difference between "issue a rebuke" and "give a warning"?

"Issue a rebuke" is a stronger expression of disapproval than "give a warning". A rebuke is a formal criticism, while a warning is a notice of potential consequences if the behavior continues.