scolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'scolding' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance of severely criticism. For example, "Martha was scolded for being late to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This month, the Bariga police chief was abducted and allegedly tortured, his body (not yet found) apparently dumped in the murky waters of Lagos lagoon.On January 13th, Mr Obasanjo made his anger public in a letter scolding Bola Tinubu, the governor of Lagos state.

The Economist

FOR nine months a torrent of scolding slurry has gushed out of the ground near Sidoarjo in eastern Java.

The Economist

He adds that agencies have responded not grudgingly (the old stereotype of bureaucrats loth to surrender cash or power), but eagerly.In this section Tangled up in green tape Of Sunstein and sunsets Another doomed exercise Taking STOCK Where homies can heal The 30-year itch Buttering-up and scolding ReprintsBut the Obama administration has added to the rule book at the same time as it is trimming.

The Economist

Improved regulations and more effective, better-paid regulators are urgently needed.Mr Kaufman's book is not all fretting, urging and scolding.

The Economist

To criticise him for doing so would be like scolding a dog for barking.

The Economist

"Nothing stops a bullet like a job," as its motto says.In this section Tangled up in green tape Of Sunstein and sunsets Another doomed exercise Taking STOCK Where homies can heal The 30-year itch Buttering-up and scolding ReprintsAndre, for example, came in to see Father Greg or F.G., as he calls him last year.

The Economist

"While we were scolding him, we were also proud of him.

The Economist

Bill Clinton didn't help by scolding a reporter who asked him a mildly challenging, if unnecessarily long-winded, question on a lawsuit Hillary supporters brought against the scheme, which was thought to benefit Barack Obama.

The Economist

Coming the day after Mr Khatami registered as a presidential candidate, the target of the ayatollahs' scolding could hardly have been clearer.The president may himself be no more than a mild reformer, argue the clerics in Qom, but the people around him presented as radical degenerates are using him as a Trojan horse.

The Economist

But for now, nobody can do much beyond scolding Vladimir Putin, whom Mr Bush met in Bratislava on February 24th (see article).By far the biggest strategic worry for America, though, is China, and particularly the EU's determination to lift its arms embargo this summer.

The Economist

Instead of simply scolding voters, the government has taken to pandering to them: it will run a budget deficit in the run-up to the next election, to pay for a series of one-off hand-outs.The most remarkable political transformation of all has taken place in Indonesia, which churned through three presidents in quick succession following the ouster of long-serving strongman Suharto in 1998.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing more subtle forms of disapproval, consider words like "chiding" or "admonishing".

Common error

Avoid using "scolding" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "criticizing" or "reprimanding" might be more appropriate. "Scolding" can sometimes sound too informal or emotionally charged for certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scolding" is as a verb (present participle) or a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes the act of expressing sharp or critical disapproval. Examples show its use in news and media, often denoting official or public reprimands.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scolding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, predominantly found in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes sharp or critical disapproval. While interchangeable with terms like "reprimanding" or "rebuking", "scolding" carries a slightly more informal tone. It's crucial to consider the context and target audience when using "scolding", opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. To use the word effectively, leverage contexts where a sharp yet not overly formal critique is required, being mindful of overusing it in highly formal writing. As a tool, it adds flavor and specific weight to your expression, as long as it is used with the knowledge of its intrinsic qualities and the effect it will have on the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimanding

Similar to "scolding", but often implies a more formal or official rebuke.

rebuking

Implies a sharp disapproval or criticism, often delivered sternly.

chiding

Suggests a gentle or mild form of criticism.

berating

Indicates a prolonged and vehement criticism.

admonishing

Suggests a warning or counsel against specific actions.

reproaching

Implies expressing disapproval or disappointment.

dressing down

An informal phrase for giving someone a severe reprimand.

chewing out

A colloquial term for severely criticizing someone.

lambasting

Means to criticize someone harshly.

reprooving

Suggests gently correcting someone.

FAQs

How to use "scolding" in a sentence?

You can use "scolding" to describe the act of expressing sharp disapproval or criticism. For example, "The teacher was "scolding" the students for their disruptive behavior".

What can I say instead of "scolding"?

You can use alternatives like "reprimanding", "rebuking", or "chiding" depending on the context.

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

"Scolding" is the present participle or gerund form of the verb "scold". Use "scold" when referring to the action itself, and "scolding" when using it as a noun or describing an ongoing action.

What's the difference between "scolding" and "criticizing"?

"Scolding" typically implies a sharper and more emotionally charged form of criticism, often from someone in a position of authority. "Criticizing" is a more general term for expressing disapproval or pointing out flaws.