reproached for being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reproached for being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone being criticized or blamed for a particular characteristic or behavior. Example: "She was reproached for being too outspoken during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Paul Rayment, the main character in Slow Man (2005), is reproached for being "cold" and dull by his presumptive creator, Elizabeth Costello, no great source of warmth herself.

The Guardian - Books

"We would be reproached for being Nazis because we did not want to stay within the embrace of Moscow". She recalled nasty, and untrue, accusations about Latvian collaboration during the Holocaust.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This, of course, is something that this government may be reproached for, and is indeed a source of embarrassment for the country.

HuffPost

"People have come up and said 'thank you for your work' - and 'joy' is the word they've used, but I've also been reproached for it, for being too cheerful.

BBC

People have come up and said thank you for your work - and joy is the word they've used, but I've also been reproached for it, for being too cheerful.

BBC

Snow once reproached Bassman for being too arty: "'You're here to show buttons and bows,' she snapped at me.

The New Yorker

When we failed to do that, they reproached us for being together in the car and humiliated us and ordered me to step down".

The Guardian

Spin is when a cyclist says he has nothing to be reproached for (because he is doing just what everyone else is doing), that he has never tested positive (most cycling fans can figure this one out), or that he has been tested more than anyone else (perhaps because the guys who do the random tests have a wee suspicion that something might be going on).

The Guardian - Sport

Never mind, the villagers thought, that he had found a wife who could never demand anything of him, or reproach him for being drunk, or beg for money.

The New Yorker

That day Aidan O'Brien, who took custody of So You Think after his patrons at Coolmore bought a controlling interest late in 2010, seemed at embarrassing pains to reproach himself for being slow to adjust to the imported champion's needs.

Independent

Harking back to Voltaire, he defends Brady's right to be wrong against the cynicism of Hornbeck, who in turn reproaches him for being an atheist who believes in God.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reproached for being" when you want to convey a sense of formal or serious disapproval. Consider the context to determine if a stronger or milder term like "criticized" or "admonished" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "reproached for being" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "criticized" or "blamed" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reproached for being" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something is receiving criticism or blame. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and can be found in various written sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reproached for being" is a grammatically sound way to express criticism or blame for a particular characteristic or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is perfectly valid and can be used in formal contexts. While synonyms such as "criticized for being" or "blamed for being" exist, "reproached for being" carries a tone of formal disapproval. Remember to consider the audience and context when using it, and avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural and effective writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticized for being

Direct synonym; replaces "reproached" with "criticized", a more common word.

blamed for being

Similar to "criticized", but implies a stronger degree of responsibility or fault.

reprimanded for being

Suggests a formal or official rebuke.

chastised for being

Implies a scolding or correction, often with a moral element.

admonished for being

Similar to "chastised", but often milder and intended as a warning.

taken to task for being

An idiomatic phrase that means to be strongly criticized or rebuked.

faulted for being

Focuses on the specific error or failing.

held accountable for being

Emphasizes responsibility and the expectation of consequences.

called out for being

A more informal phrase, often used in social contexts to denote public criticism.

reproached because of

Slightly alters the structure to use "because of" instead of "for being".

FAQs

What does "reproached for being" mean?

It means to be criticized or blamed for a particular quality, action, or characteristic. It often implies a formal or serious expression of disapproval.

What can I say instead of "reproached for being"?

You can use alternatives like "criticized for being", "blamed for being", or "reprimanded for being" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "reproached for being"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and used in formal writing and speech. However, consider the audience and context to determine if a simpler alternative would be more effective.

How does "reproached for being" differ from "criticized for being"?

"Reproached for being" is a more formal and stronger expression of disapproval than "criticized for being". "Reproached" suggests a more serious or official rebuke.