lesser reprimand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser reprimand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reprimand that is not as severe or serious as others, often in a context of discipline or correction. Example: "After considering the circumstances, the manager decided to issue a lesser reprimand instead of a formal warning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Frank received a lesser reprimand instead.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The president's personal lawyer, David E. Kendall, has argued that similar cases against lawyers accused of lying under oath usually ended in temporary suspensions or lesser penalties, like a reprimand.

The New York Times

The panel, the Committee on Professional Conduct of the Arkansas Supreme Court, is set to decide as early as this month whether to discipline Mr. Clinton by revoking or suspending his license or by imposing a lesser penalty, like a letter of reprimand.

The New York Times

The Arkansas courts will now have to decide whether disbarment is the right penalty for the president's dishonesty, given all the circumstances, or whether some lesser penalty such as a public reprimand or suspension of his license to practice law is more appropriate.

The New York Times

City must now decide whether to accept the offer made to them or try to negotiate a lesser punishment, which varies from a reprimand to a fine or European squad restrictions next term.

BBC

If an agreement is not reached, Sears would then face a hearing before an administrative law judge, who would recommend a decision, such as revoking or suspending Sears' medical license, or suggest a lesser punishment, including probation or a reprimand.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Dalton, who is 48, was one of 16 teachers the city sought to fire in recent years, saying they had behaved inappropriately with children, but who were allowed to return to the classroom after an arbitrator chose to give them a lesser penalty like a fine, a suspension or a reprimand.

The New York Times

The bar committee recommended the disbarment, rejecting lesser sanctions of a suspension of his license or a reprimand, a penalty that Mr. Clinton had suggested he might have accepted.

The New York Times

Scott D. Waddle, is likely to face some lesser form of punishment, such as a punitive letter or reprimand that would effectively end his career and could reduce his retirement benefits but would not threaten him with a jail sentence, the officials said.

The New York Times

For example, they do not cover cases involving a lesser charge like negligent homicide, or those punished with administrative reprimands.

The New York Times

Lesser punishments may include license suspension of up to two years or a public reprimand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lesser reprimand" when you want to specifically indicate that the disciplinary action taken was less severe than other possible actions.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser reprimand" in very formal or legal documents, as more precise terms like 'formal warning' or 'written caution' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser reprimand" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lesser" modifies the noun "reprimand". This indicates a specific type of reprimand that is less severe than others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser reprimand" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a form of disciplinary action that is less severe than other options. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it fits the formality of your writing and consider more precise terms for very formal settings. Alternatives include "milder rebuke" or "light censure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While not exceedingly common, "lesser reprimand" provides a clear and concise way to categorize the severity of a disciplinary measure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

milder rebuke

This alternative replaces "reprimand" with "rebuke" and "lesser" with "milder", both suggesting a gentler form of criticism.

light censure

This phrase uses "censure" instead of "reprimand" and "light" to convey the reduced severity.

minor admonishment

"Admonishment" is used in place of "reprimand" and "minor" signifies reduced importance.

gentle scolding

This alternative uses informal terms "scolding" and "gentle" to soften the expression.

reduced penalty

This phrase focuses on the consequence being "reduced" rather than the act of reprimanding itself.

softened criticism

This alternative expresses the idea of making the "criticism" less harsh.

formal caution

This option replaces "reprimand" with "caution", implying a formal warning that is not too severe.

slight reproof

This alternative uses "reproof" which means an expression of disapproval or criticism, and it is softened by the adjective "slight".

partial disapproval

This phrase indicates that only a part of something is not approved, suggesting reduced severity.

weak condemnation

This option utilizes the term "condemnation" to express strong disapproval, but weakens it with the adjective "weak".

FAQs

How can I use "lesser reprimand" in a sentence?

You can use "lesser reprimand" to describe a punishment that is not as severe as other options. For example: "After considering the evidence, the committee decided to issue a "lesser reprimand" instead of suspension."

What's a good alternative to "lesser reprimand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "milder rebuke", "light censure", or "minor admonishment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "lesser reprimand" formal or informal?

"Lesser reprimand" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very formal or legal settings, consider using more precise terminology.

What's the difference between a "lesser reprimand" and a formal warning?

A "lesser reprimand" implies a milder form of disciplinary action, while a formal warning usually indicates a more serious step that could lead to further consequences if the behavior is repeated.