reproached for

USAGE SUMMARY

'reproached for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of speaking to or addressing someone in a critical or disapproving manner. For example, "The teacher reproached the student for not following the instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mendes-France was reproached for favoring it, too.

The New Yorker

Its main organiserwas reproached for enriching the businessmen.

The Economist

"I was expecting to be reproached for the love scenes.

The New York Times

"Russia is reproached for isolating itself…They say Russia is angry.

The Economist

The Soviets have often been reproached for suppressing what they knew about the Holocaust.

The New Yorker

But the brothers should not be reproached for departing from the original.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

However, he has not been afraid to criticise Moscow, which he reproaches for failing to intervene directly in the conflict.

BBC

This was too close for leading law experts and pundits, who reproached Obama for "using the wrong words..

Huffington Post

Alex Ferguson has been reproached – rightfully – for not leaving much petrol in the tank for his successor.

Vice

Adams had long reproached himself for timorousness.

The New Yorker

Francis reproached them for not accepting abuse submissively.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reproached for", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or quality is being criticized. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reproached for" when a milder expression of disapproval is more appropriate. "Reproached" carries a weight of serious disapproval or blame. Use more gentle expressions if you intend to express a suggestion or a simple critic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reproached for" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something has been criticized or blamed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in attributing fault or expressing disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reproached for" is a commonly used phrase to express criticism or blame, as affirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and various media sources. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the weight of disapproval the term implies. Consider alternatives like "criticized for" or "blamed for" for lighter expressions. When writing, clarity regarding the cause of reproach is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticized for

Focuses on expressing disapproval or pointing out faults, similar to reproach but potentially less formal.

blamed for

Directly assigns responsibility for a fault or wrong, making it a stronger statement than reproach.

faulted for

Emphasizes the finding of a defect or inadequacy, which can be less personal than reproach.

censured for

Suggests a formal or official expression of disapproval, which is more structured than a simple reproach.

condemned for

Implies a strong and often public denunciation, indicating a more severe level of disapproval.

taken to task for

Describes a situation where someone is thoroughly scolded or corrected, often suggesting a hierarchical context.

chastised for

Indicates a scolding or reprimand, often with the intention of correcting behavior.

reprimanded for

Implies a formal rebuke, often from someone in authority.

admonished for

Suggests a gentle but firm warning or correction.

held accountable for

Highlights the responsibility and consequences associated with an action or decision.

FAQs

How to use "reproached for" in a sentence?

Use "reproached for" to indicate that someone has been criticized or blamed for a specific action or quality. For instance, "The company was reproached for its environmental practices" indicates criticism of the company's actions regarding the environment.

What can I say instead of "reproached for"?

You can use alternatives like "criticized for", "blamed for", or "faulted for" depending on the context and the intensity of the disapproval you want to convey.

Which is correct, "reproached for" or "reproached with"?

"Reproached for" is generally used to indicate the reason for the reproach, while "reproached with" would be used to indicate what was used to reproach someone. For instance, "He was reproached for his dishonesty" versus "He was reproached with evidence of his dishonesty".

What's the difference between "reproached for" and "accused of"?

"Reproached for" implies criticism or blame for something already done or a quality possessed, whereas "accused of" indicates a formal charge or allegation of wrongdoing that is not yet proven. You could be reproached for being late, but accused of theft.