scold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reprimanding or criticizing someone, often in a parental or authoritative context. Example: "The teacher had to scold the students for talking during the lesson."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their aim is not the "nanny state", a scold and killjoy forcing its charges to eat their vegetables and take their medicine.

The Economist

Plain-clothes agents of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, as the religious police are known, patrol streets, parks and shopping centres, intervening to scold offenders, strike them with switches or haul them off to be disciplined by ordinary police.

The Economist

Kellogg's Corn Flakes' brash colours sit alongside the rustic livery of "honest, tasty and real" Dorset Cereals on supermarket shelves.Mr Olins is well placed to coach companies and to scold them.

The Economist

"We want to be contributors as well as consumers of security, and the Russians scold us for this," says Nino Burjanadze, Georgia's parliamentary speaker.For the Russians, there is a risk that their new foreign policy may prove as counter-productive as Kremlin-run economic policy has sometimes appeared to be.

The Economist

It is best to instruct and enlighten without being a scold, braggart or prig.

The Economist

The United States, which used to scold the Europeans for their reluctance, is uncomfortable with Turkey's newly adventurous foreign policy.

The Economist

Although the government has now agreed to omit the performance of these children from its league tables, this change may have come too late for some.In this section Comrades in arms A spy sails in from the cold Bringing rights home Being watched It could be him Blackpool as Las Vegas How dare you scold me?

The Economist

Hitherto, State has had an office devoted to religious freedom, which would scold those who violate it, but no formal way of engaging with global religion in more positive ways.

The Economist

The State Department never hesitates to scold European governments; it has often deplored the treatment of Scientologists in Germany.

The Economist

His back-slapping, difference-splitting skills, it is said, free the president to scold and shame Congress from the White House bully pulpit.Not so fast.

The Economist

Alas for Mr Obama, a dilemma looms: in foreign affairs the ability to scold effectively requires some underpinning by a willingness to engage.Take the Middle East, scene of the first overseas trip of Mr Obama's second term, due to take in Israel, the Palestinian-controlled West Bank and Jordan from March 20th to 23rd.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scold", consider the context and the relationship between the individuals involved. It is typically used when someone in a position of authority is addressing someone who has done wrong.

Common error

Avoid using "scold" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral or diplomatic term like "reprimand" or "address concerns" would be more appropriate. The word "scold" can sometimes sound patronizing or overly harsh.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scold" is as a verb, denoting the act of reprimanding or rebuking someone. It can also function as a noun, referring to a person who habitually scolds. Ludwig examples show it used in both active and passive voice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scold" is a versatile term used to describe the act of expressing disapproval or reprimanding someone. According to Ludwig, "scold" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While it can function as both a verb and a noun, it is most commonly used as a verb. When using "scold", consider the context and choose synonyms like "reprimand" or "rebuke" for more formal settings. Avoid overusing it, especially where a more diplomatic approach is needed. Remember to consider the situation of the individuals involved. In conclusion, "scold" is appropriate for expressing disapproval or correcting behaviour, but must be used with context in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand

A more formal and official rebuke than "scold".

rebuke

Similar to "scold" but often implies a sharper disapproval.

chide

A gentler form of "scold", often used in a playful way.

admonish

Implies a warning along with the "scold".

reproach

Expresses disappointment or disapproval.

berate

A more intense and prolonged "scold", often angrily.

lecture

Involves a lengthy and didactic "scold".

tell off

An informal way to say "scold", implying a direct and often angry reprimand.

dress down

A harsh and public "scold".

give a talking to

A euphemistic way to say "scold", softening the intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "scold" in a sentence?

You can use "scold" to describe the act of expressing disapproval or criticism. For example, "The teacher had to "scold" the students for not completing their homework."

What can I say instead of "scold"?

You can use alternatives like "reprimand", "rebuke", or "chide" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "scold" or "reprimand"?

"Scold" and "reprimand" are both correct but carry different levels of formality. "Scold" is more informal, while "reprimand" is more suitable for formal contexts.

What's the difference between "scold" and "berate"?

"Scold" means to express disapproval, while "berate" implies a prolonged and often angry criticism. "Berate" suggests a more intense and harsh form of reprimand.