severe rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe rebuke" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a strong criticism or reprimand directed at someone. For example: "The manager issued a severe rebuke for the team's poor performance." Alternative expressions include "harsh criticism" and "stern reprimand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Shareholders also handed a severe rebuke to Alison Carnwath, the non-executive director who sanctioned the pay deals.

The Guardian - Business

As vice chancellor of the Roman Catholic church, Rodrigo amassed enormous wealth and, despite a severe rebuke from Pope Pius II, lived as a Renaissance prince.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"To put Joe in this position after he apologised to the opposition player, admitted his error of judgment and also received a severe rebuke from the RFU and the tournament smacks of double jeopardy.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a severe rebuke to the dozing visitors and the latest proof of Capoue's increased deadliness from midfield: the Frenchman did not score at all last season but this was his fifth goal of this campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

When a well-known activist for women's rights, with a Twitter following of nearly 100,000, questioned whether Muslim men should refrain from shaving their beards in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad, a prominent sheikh tweeted back a severe rebuke.

The Economist

Senator Arlen Specter in a severe rebuke of federal governmental policy, stated just one day after Kemp died of cancer, that Kemp would still be alive if the federal government had done a better job funding cancer research.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, its announcement contained a stern rebuke.

The Economist

It earned a stern rebuke from Lothair.

Wikipedia

Personally, I fell asleep within 25 minutes of episode one the first time I attempted it, although I wouldn't take this as too severe a rebuke.

Independent

Last month, Russia's education minister, Vladimir M. Filippov, publicly rebuked Mr. Savelyev, saying he "was given a severe reprimand and a warning" for violating a "whole series" of secret orders from the ministry pertaining to educational services to Iran.

The New York Times

That brought stern rebukes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe rebuke" when you want to emphasize the intensity and seriousness of the disapproval or reprimand.

Common error

Avoid using "severe rebuke" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and stilted in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe rebuke" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb, indicating the recipient of the rebuke. It describes a strong and explicit condemnation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe rebuke" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a strong expression of disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it is most frequently found in news, encyclopedic, and wiki-based contexts, indicating a formal or professional register. When writing, consider alternatives like "harsh reprimand" or "strong condemnation" depending on the desired nuance. Use "severe rebuke" to emphasize the seriousness of the reprimand, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh reprimand

Emphasizes the act of formally censuring someone, similar in severity.

strong condemnation

Focuses on expressing strong disapproval; can be more public.

stern warning

Implies a caution against future actions, but with gravity.

forceful criticism

Highlights the strength and directness of the disapproval.

sharp denunciation

Suggests a public and vehement criticism.

vigorous objection

Conveys strong disapproval and active resistance.

firm disapproval

Highlights the resoluteness and clarity of the disagreement.

pointed admonishment

Suggests a targeted and cautionary reprimand.

cutting reproach

Implies a hurtful and critical remark.

blistering censure

Conveys intense and damaging criticism.

FAQs

How is "severe rebuke" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "severe rebuke" is used to describe a strong and critical expression of disapproval. For example: "The CEO received a "severe rebuke" from the board after the company's financial losses."

What are some alternatives to using "severe rebuke"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "harsh reprimand", "strong condemnation", or "stern warning".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "severe rebuke"?

Use "severe rebuke" in formal settings where a strong and formal expression of disapproval is warranted. This is common in professional, political, or academic contexts.

What is the difference between a "severe rebuke" and a simple criticism?

A "severe rebuke" implies a greater degree of disapproval and a more formal setting than a simple criticism. A criticism can be mild and informal, while a "severe rebuke" suggests a serious reprimand.