scold about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scold about" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to the act of reprimanding someone regarding a specific issue or behavior. Example: "She tends to scold about the mess in the kitchen whenever we have guests over."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet when Americans scold about the technology gap, Europe's defence industry reacts with suspicion.

The Economist

The fact is that the reason I like being on Twitter is precisely what this meme seems to scold about: hearing people air their little grievances and glories, because it's a chance to get a genuine sense of what their lives are all about.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

3. "That's the thing that appeals to me most, and that's why I really latched onto this one when it got sent to me, because I don't like any movie that kind of scolds women about, like, 'Your job's too important to you and so you're cutting off this other part of your life, of a husband' and that's always the romantic comedies, like the Ice Queen.

Huffington Post

But even now, despite Beijing's scolding about the debt impasse in Washington, China's options may be limited.

The New York Times

In February, China's Foreign Ministry called in the American ambassador for a scolding about Mr. Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama, whom China calls a separatist.

The New York Times

The joke here, partly, is that liberal American audiences enjoy being scolded about our ignorance of geography, especially when the person doing the scolding speaks in a British accent.

The New Yorker

Mr. Schumer, the messiest roommate, shared a bathroom with Mr. Russo, the cleanest, and was constantly being scolded about not wiping down the tub.

The New York Times

Instead of the usual prim scolding about the effects of tobacco, about passive smoking, about the evils of dropping litter, the city leaders have provided a simple, no-fuss solution.

Independent

And it gave Mr Xi the usual scolding about China's terrible record on human rights at home.As for the Republicans' criticisms, has Mr Obama really been so soft on China?

The Economist

For all the scolding about America's energy gluttony, and for all the warnings about foreign entanglements linked to oil addiction, price seems to be the only factor that moves people to change habits.

The New York Times

MOSCOW — There are few things that Russian politicians like less than being scolded about democracy and human rights, and over the last week, since the police arrested top opposition leaders at a New Year's Eve protest, the news cycle has been dominated by Russians criticizing Americans for criticizing Russians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "scold about" is understandable, consider using more common alternatives like "reprimand for" or "criticize for" to improve clarity and flow in your writing. The alternative phrases will sound more natural to native English speakers.

Common error

Avoid using "scold about" in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "rebuke", "reprimand", or "admonish" for professional or academic communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scold about" functions as a verb phrase indicating disapproval or reprimand concerning a specific matter. Ludwig AI suggests that while understandable, this phrasing isn't the most common. The examples show its use in contexts where someone is being corrected or criticized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scold about" is used to express reprimand or criticism, but is not considered the most standard English phrasing. As Ludwig AI points out, alternatives like "reprimand for" or "criticize for" are generally preferred for clarity and naturalness. The phrase appears mostly in News & Media contexts. While grammatically acceptable, "scold about" may sound awkward or less polished in formal settings. It's important to note that, although understandable, it is a rare expression and alternative phrases will sound more natural to native English speakers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rebuke for

More formal and direct, implies a sharp disapproval.

Reprimand for

Similar to 'rebuke', but can also denote official censure.

Admonish for

Suggests a gentle but firm warning.

Criticize for

A general term for expressing disapproval.

Chide for

Implies affectionate disapproval or mild scolding.

Berate for

Suggests a prolonged and vehement scolding.

Lecture about

Suggests a lengthy and didactic scolding.

Give a talking-to about

An informal phrase implying a serious conversation about behavior.

Dress down for

To scold severely or reprimand.

Tell off about

Very informal; signifies a sharp, angry reprimand.

FAQs

What does "scold about" mean?

The phrase "scold about" means to reprimand or criticize someone regarding a specific issue or behavior. It's not as common as other alternatives like "reprimand for" or "criticize for".

What can I say instead of "scold about"?

You can use alternatives like "reprimand for", "admonish for", or "criticize for" depending on the context.

Is "scold about" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "scold about" is not the most grammatically sound or common way to phrase a reprimand. It's better to use more standard constructions such as "scold someone for" or "reprimand someone about/for".

How to use "scold about" in a sentence?

You can use "scold about" in a sentence like, "She might scold about the mess in the kitchen". However, consider that it might sound more natural to use alternatives such as "She might scold you for the mess in the kitchen" or "She might complain about the mess in the kitchen".