scold at

USAGE SUMMARY

"scold at" is not a correct phrase in written English.
The correct phrase is "scold (someone)." Example: My teacher scolded me for arriving late to class.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But even Ms. Dolinsky, who has been the in-house scold at the M.T.A. since 1981, didn't expect the nonvoting seat to be so scorchingly hot.

The New York Times

On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," a female guest said the tweet made her "blood boil," while co-anchor Mika Brzezinski wagged her finger at the screen and launched a soliloquy of scold at Ivanka Trump and other White House women.

The Washington Post

In the "I have given suck" speech, he thought Faucit "poured out" the speech in a way that recalled the "scold at the door of a gin-shop".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her barker scolds at the market crowd: "People leave the clothes to buy fish!

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, the top draft pick SHAUN ELLIS continues to get scolded at every opportunity by the defensive line coach, RAY HAMILTON.

The New York Times - Sports

It was 8 30 A.M. The men and women on Merck's benches looked grimly composed, like C.E.O.s being scolded at a Senate hearing.

The New Yorker

Bayern's coach, Jupp Heynckes, was gently scolded at the pregame news conference for calling the stadium by its proper name.

The New York Times

He gave Congress a scolding at Jackson Hole, arguing that politicians need to address the medium-term fiscal mess while leaving room to cushion the economy now.

The Economist

Then, after Cleverley missed from close range – he would receive a Fergusonian scolding at half-time – a throw-in from Rooney moments later went to Fletcher.

The Guardian - Sport

While welcoming Mr. Murray at the news conference, Ms. Faison directed a faint scolding at the officials from Trenton for giving her short notice of the appointment.

The New York Times

Mr. Petrini, 38, a wine importer who bought his one-bedroom duplex in October, said he was "counseled and scolded at the same time" over things like photos he wanted to hang on the wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express disapproval or correction, use "scold" directly followed by the person being scolded. For example, "The teacher scolded the student." This is grammatically correct and clear.

Common error

Avoid using "at" after "scold." The verb "scold" takes a direct object, meaning you scold someone, not scold at someone. Using "scold at" can sound awkward or incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scold at" functions as a verb phrase, aiming to express disapproval or reprimand. However, according to Ludwig AI, the construction isn't grammatically standard in English. The correct usage is to use "scold" followed directly by the object.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "scold at" appears in some sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically non-standard. The correct construction is to use "scold" followed directly by the person or entity being scolded. The phrase's intent is to express disapproval or correction, but its questionable grammar makes it less suitable for formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "reprimand", "admonish", or "rebuke" for clarity and grammatical accuracy. When aiming for precise and formal communication, avoid the phrase "scold at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand

Directly suggests a formal rebuke, omitting the 'at'.

admonish

Implies a gentle or earnest warning, instead of direct criticism, omitting the 'at'.

rebuke

Suggests a sharp disapproval or criticism, replacing "at" with a direct object.

chide

Implies mild disapproval or scolding, dropping the 'at'.

berate

Indicates a prolonged and vehement scolding, omitting the 'at'.

criticize

Suggests expressing disapproval of someone or something, omitting the 'at'.

lecture

Implies giving a lengthy and critical talk to someone, omitting the 'at'.

reproach

Expresses disapproval or disappointment, omitting the 'at'.

take to task

Means to criticize or reprimand someone severely, replacing "scold at" with a more formal idiom.

tell off

Means to reprimand someone sharply, using a more informal tone and avoiding "at".

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "scold at"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is to use "scold" followed directly by the person being reprimanded, such as "The teacher scolded the student."

What's a better way to phrase "scold at"?

Instead of "scold at", use alternatives like "reprimand", "admonish", or "rebuke" depending on the context.

How can I use "scold" in a sentence correctly?

Use "scold" directly followed by the person receiving the scolding. For example, "The manager scolded him for being late" is correct, while "The manager scolded at him for being late" is not.

What is the difference between "scold" and "scold at"?

"Scold" is a verb that takes a direct object (the person being scolded). Adding "at" after "scold" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Use "reprimand" or "rebuke" instead.