scold him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scold him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of reprimanding or criticizing someone, typically for their behavior or actions. Example: "After he broke the vase, I had no choice but to scold him for being careless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She would scold him first.

The New Yorker

As for western countries, Mr Milosevic may think they will merely scold him.

The Economist

But they pull him down and scold him and tell him to get ahold of himself.

The New Yorker

Pepe, himself an infamous flopper, ran back to Müller and began to scold him.

The New Yorker

"I did not confirm their worst assumption," Fred insists afterward, when Ted tries to scold him.

The New York Times

Why run him through the drills, or scold him for getting answers "wrong"?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

One guy, Bruce, has a couple of Stooges records he wants signed, and I half expect Barneys people to scold him a struggle with authority!—because he hasn't purchased a t-shirt, but no one does.

Vice

Leash your dog and scold him/her.

WikiHow

It'll make a loud noise, then scold him/her.

WikiHow

If you suspect that he/she started the fight and "started" his/her anger, don't scold him/her right away.

WikiHow

If the puppy still doesn't listen after the timeout, then put him/her outside for awhile and scold him/her.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scold him", ensure the tone is appropriate for the context. It can range from mild disapproval to strong reprimand, so consider the severity of the situation.

Common error

In formal or professional settings, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "reprimand", "admonish", or "rebuke" instead of "scold him" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scold him" functions as a verb phrase, where "scold" is the verb and "him" is the object. It indicates the act of reprimanding or criticizing someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scold him" is a common and grammatically correct way to express reprimanding or criticizing someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it's generally considered neutral to informal, more formal alternatives like "reprimand him" or "rebuke him" may be preferred in professional settings. The phrase is frequently used in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, consider the tone and context to ensure the appropriate level of formality. Avoid common errors like using "scold at him" and be mindful of overusing the phrase in excessively formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tell him off

This is an informal way of saying "scold him", implying a strong reprimand.

Reprimand him

Reprimand is a more formal alternative, suggesting an official rebuke.

Rebuke him

Rebuke is similar to reprimand but can imply a sharper, more critical disapproval.

Admonish him

Admonish suggests a gentle but firm warning or counsel.

Chide him

Chide implies a mild and affectionate disapproval.

Give him a talking-to

This suggests a serious conversation where the person is being scolded.

Lecture him

Lecture suggests a lengthy and possibly tedious reprimand.

Berate him

Berate indicates a harsh and prolonged criticism.

Call him out

This phrase suggests publicly pointing out someone's mistake or misbehavior.

Give him a piece of your mind

This idiom means to express one's anger or dissatisfaction directly and forcefully.

FAQs

What does "scold him" mean?

"Scold him" means to express disapproval or criticism to someone, typically for their behavior or actions. It implies a reprimand or rebuke.

What can I say instead of "scold him"?

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

Is it correct to say "scold at him"?

No, the correct phrase is "scold him", not "scold at him". The verb "scold" is directly followed by the person being scolded.

When is it appropriate to use "scold him"?

It's appropriate to use "scold him" when someone has done something wrong or made a mistake, and you want to express your disapproval or correct their behavior. It is generally used in informal to neutral contexts.