reprimand him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reprimand him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should be scolded or corrected for their behavior or actions. Example: "The manager decided to reprimand him for his repeated tardiness to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Did I have to reprimand him?

The New York Times - Sports

Intended to reprimand him later and made note of it.

The New Yorker

He added: "I understand the need to reprimand him.

The Guardian - Sport

I constantly reprimand him for smoking indoors – he ignores me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rest of the world did not call out loudly enough or reprimand him enough.

The New Yorker

Tomorrow, what will you do?' But I would never reprimand him, because he was honest.

The Guardian

Instead of being afraid of the robber's gun, the irate shopkeeper decides to reprimand him.

Independent

The three judges try to rein him in, and reprimand him for arguing with witnesses.

The New York Times

Eissler attempted to reprimand him, but Tommy would have none of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I constantly reprimand him about his general untidiness – I admit I am a little OCD.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The goal here is to make sure you child is comfortable communicating with you, not to reprimand him/her for things that s/he may have done.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reprimand him" when you want to convey a formal or authoritative correction for a specific action or behavior. It is suitable in professional or structured environments.

Common error

Avoid using "reprimand him" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for milder alternatives like "scold him" or "tell him off" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reprimand him" is a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of formally correcting or scolding someone. Ludwig examples confirm its use in conveying disapproval from an authority figure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Social Media

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reprimand him" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is used to convey a formal act of correcting or scolding someone, especially in structured or professional contexts. While quite common in formal writing across news media and professional domains, it should be used cautiously in casual conversation where alternatives like "scold him" or "tell him off" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples reveal a wide array of contexts, underscoring the versatility of this phrase in formal communication. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scold him

Suggests a more informal and often parental form of reprimand.

Admonish him

This alternative suggests a gentler form of criticism or warning compared to "reprimand him".

Reproach him

This implies expressing disapproval or disappointment, often in a more formal or serious manner.

Chide him

Implies a gentle and affectionate form of reprimand.

Rebuke him

This suggests a sharp or stern disapproval, indicating a stronger reaction than a simple reprimand.

Lecture him

This indicates a lengthy and didactic scolding, focusing on teaching a lesson.

Reprove him

This suggests a formal or moral disapproval, often with the intention of correction.

Censure him

This indicates a formal and public expression of disapproval, often by an authoritative body.

Denounce him

This implies a strong and public condemnation, indicating a severe disapproval.

Criticize him

This suggests expressing disapproval or finding fault, often without necessarily implying a formal action.

FAQs

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

You can use "reprimand him" to indicate a formal correction. For example, "The manager decided to "reprimand him" for his repeated tardiness."

What are some alternatives to "reprimand him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "admonish him", "rebuke him", or "scold him".

Is "reprimand him" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "reprimand him" is generally considered formal. In everyday conversation, it's often more appropriate to use less formal options like "scold him" or "tell him off".

What's the difference between "reprimand him" and "punish him"?

"Reprimand him" involves verbal or formal disapproval, while "punish him" implies imposing a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing. A reprimand is often a verbal correction, whereas punishment is a broader term that can include various types of penalties.