serious scolding

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious scolding" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a reprimand that is stern or severe. For example: "After the incident, the teacher gave the student a serious scolding." Alternative expressions include "stern reprimand" and "harsh criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He had recently learned that the penalty for practicing without a permit was severe; a fellow-doctor whom he had asked about it had given him a serious scolding.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One can get a sense reading through the book that not only is Kabir being playful in method, with his "upside-down" poems, often provoking or scolding, however serious in intent, but the translator, as well, inserting learned disquisitions after the poems or not, perhaps at random, perhaps not.

The New York Times - Books

Though both candidates sometimes seemed scolding and self-serious, there were a few lighter moments.

The New York Times

Maybe it's the morality-play aspect; maybe it's the realization, conscious or not, that you can't go wrong with the Very Serious People by playing deficit scold.

The New York Times

It's supposed to establish Larry's bona fides as a Serious Person, appeasing the deficit scolds so that he can get on with the substance of his argument.

The New York Times

Pretend that what you're really concerned about is debt and the fate of our children; cultivate the Very Serious People and the deficit scolds; impersonate a budget wonk; and smuggle the agenda in by dressing it in fiscal responsibility camouflage.

The New York Times

She becomes a political scold in her most serious moments.

The New York Times

"This is serious business," and the media, he scolded are "grading the presidency on a curve,".

Vice

Clemens scolded him for not being serious enough about his pitching, and Schilling listened.

The New York Times - Sports

But people who embrace impact investing as the future of serious philanthropy often seem to me like scolds.

The New York Times

When filmmakers leave such touchy, serious political issues alone they tend to be scolded for complacency or cowardice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious scolding" when you want to emphasize the severity of a reprimand and its impact on the recipient. It's more impactful than a simple "scolding".

Common error

Avoid using "serious scolding" in overly casual or humorous situations. It's best reserved for scenarios where the reprimand is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious scolding" functions as a noun phrase where "serious" modifies the noun "scolding". It describes the type or nature of the scolding, indicating its severity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious scolding" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a severe reprimand. According to Ludwig, while it's not a very common expression, it effectively conveys the gravity of a situation. The phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "stern reprimand" or "harsh rebuke" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure the severity of the scolding aligns with the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stern reprimand

Replaces "scolding" with a more formal noun, emphasizing the severity of the rebuke.

harsh rebuke

Substitutes both words with synonyms emphasizing severity and disapproval.

severe reprimand

Replaces "serious" with "severe" to emphasize the intensity of the reprimand, while keeping the noun the same.

intense reprimand

Uses "intense" to describe the strength of the reprimand.

firm admonishment

Uses "admonishment" which suggests a more cautionary and less angry form of scolding.

strict censure

Emphasizes a formal and authoritative disapproval or condemnation.

vigorous dressing-down

More idiomatic and emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the scolding.

major telling-off

An informal and British English expression for a severe scolding.

pointed criticism

Shifts focus to the critical aspect of the scolding, highlighting directness and purpose.

strong disapproval

Focuses on expressing strong negative sentiment rather than the act of scolding itself.

FAQs

How can I use "serious scolding" in a sentence?

You can use "serious scolding" to describe a stern reprimand. For example: "The student received a "serious scolding" from the principal after the incident."

What's a good alternative to "serious scolding"?

Alternatives include "stern reprimand", "harsh rebuke", or "severe reprimand", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "serious scolding" a formal or informal expression?

"Serious scolding" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards formal when emphasizing the severity of the reprimand.

What's the difference between "serious scolding" and "mild scolding"?

"Serious scolding" implies a significant reprimand with potentially lasting consequences, while "mild scolding" suggests a gentle correction without significant repercussions.