reprimanding him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reprimanding him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of scolding or criticizing someone for their behavior or actions. Example: "The manager was reprimanding him for being late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Will's teachers are reprimanding him.

The New York Times

That being the case, how should we judge his managers; those who, far from reprimanding him, rewarded him?

Independent

Instead of reprimanding him, Francona took the blame for not communicating the rules to Martínez.

The New York Times - Sports

You're bad," as though she were reprimanding him, but the pleasure in her thick voice was unmistakable.

The New Yorker

Instead of reprimanding him for his lateness and bad manners, I was too cowed to do a thing.

The New York Times - Style

But the borough had been reprimanding him about the noisy crowds outside his bar, and he resented the gardeners for adding to the volume and endangering his business.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They merely reprimanded him for writing.

The Economist

Did I have to reprimand him?

The New York Times - Sports

A servant reprimands him for using too much bath water.

The New Yorker

When Ann reprimanded him, he tried to choke her.

The New Yorker

His Aunt Alice reprimands him for his actions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reprimanding him", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the reprimand to avoid ambiguity. Specifying the offense adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reprimanding him" too frequently without varying your vocabulary. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Consider using synonyms like "scolding him" or "admonishing him" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reprimanding him" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing action of scolding or correcting someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reprimanding him" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of scolding or correcting someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable expression. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides clarity regarding the reason for the reprimand. Alternatives such as "scolding him" or "admonishing him" can add variety to your writing and adjust the tone as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scolding him

Emphasizes a milder form of disapproval or rebuke.

Admonishing him

Suggests a gentle but firm warning or counsel.

Rebuking him

Implies a sharp disapproval or criticism.

Chiding him

Indicates a playful or mild scolding.

Reproving him

Conveys a formal or serious expression of disapproval.

Disciplining him

Focuses on correcting behavior, often with a structured approach.

Correcting him

Highlights the act of pointing out and rectifying errors.

Lecturing him

Suggests a lengthy and often unwanted scolding.

Criticizing him

Emphasizes the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults.

Telling him off

An informal way of saying that someone was severely scolded.

FAQs

What does "reprimanding him" mean?

The phrase "reprimanding him" means to scold or express disapproval to someone for their actions or behavior. It implies a formal or authoritative correction.

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

You can use "reprimanding him" in a sentence like: "The teacher was reprimanding him for not completing his homework" or "The manager spent an hour reprimanding him for his poor performance".

What are some alternatives to "reprimanding him"?

Some alternatives to "reprimanding him" include "scolding him", "admonishing him", or "rebuking him", depending on the level of formality and severity you want to convey.

Is "reprimanding him" formal or informal?

"Reprimanding him" leans toward a more formal register. In informal contexts, "scolding him" or "telling him off" might be more appropriate.