scold for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scold for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the reason someone is being reprimanded or criticized for a specific action or behavior. Example: "She was scolded for not completing her homework on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

You feel a little like a scold for wanting it to buckle down and concentrate.

The New York Times

The story itself is about the writer's dog, Tiffany, whom he had to scold for going onto the davenport in the living room.

The New Yorker

Here, they ad lib their creaky routine -- bad boy Democrat/Republican scold -- for close to 30 minutes, drowning out any more interesting material.

The New York Times

MAGAZINE A Scold for the Street With Alan Greenspan no longer complaining about "irrational exuberance," it has fallen to a Yale economist to make the case that the markets are crazy.

The New York Times

As it grudgingly agrees to more bailouts, reluctantly playing lifeguard and scold for Europe's weaklings, Germany is also discovering a solemn truth — that being the strong partner charged with propping up a common currency has put limits on its own sovereignty.

The New York Times

Vinay Prasad is relatively young (35) and still climbing the academic ladder (he's an associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland), but he has already established an outsize reputation as a "professional scold" for his sharp critiques of contemporary biomedical research, including personalized medicine.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I would get scolded for not being polite.

Independent

Photographers were scolded for taking pictures of her cat, Socks.

The Washington Post

Fleischer was later scolded for usurping Walcott's authority.

The New York Times - Sports

Another was scolded for wearing his baseball cap backward.

The New York Times

He did not want to be scolded for endangering himself or harming company property.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scold for", ensure that the reason for scolding is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The child was scolded for drawing on the walls."

Common error

Avoid using "scold for" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound too informal or condescending. Opt for alternatives like "reprimand for" or "criticize for" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scold for" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the action of reprimanding someone and specifying the reason for the reprimand. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scold for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express disapproval or reprimand someone for a specific action. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability, although its frequency is rare. It is often found in news and media, as well as wiki-based content. While grammatically sound, consider the context and audience when using "scold for", as more formal alternatives like "reprimand for" or "criticize for" may be more appropriate in professional settings. Ensure that the reason for scolding is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand for

Focuses on a formal rebuke or censure.

rebuke for

Implies a sharp disapproval or criticism.

chastise for

Suggests a more severe form of scolding or punishment.

admonish for

Emphasizes a gentle or friendly reproof.

criticize for

Offers a general expression of disapproval.

reproach for

Highlights disappointment or blame.

berate for

Implies a prolonged and vehement scolding.

reprove for

Presents a formal disapproval, often for moral reasons.

take to task for

Suggests a formal and often public reprimand.

lecture for

Conveys a lengthy and didactic scolding.

FAQs

What does "scold for" mean?

"Scold for" means to express disapproval or to reprimand someone for a particular action or behavior. It implies correcting someone's mistake or misdeed.

What can I say instead of "scold for"?

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

Is it correct to say "scolded for"?

Yes, "scolded for" is the past tense and past participle form of "scold for" and is grammatically correct. For example, "He was scolded for his behavior".

What is the difference between "scold for" and "punish for"?

"Scold for" involves verbal reprimand or expression of disapproval, while "punish for" implies imposing a penalty or consequence for a wrongdoing. Scolding is often a milder form of correction compared to punishment.