take to task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take to task" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to reprimand someone for something they have done wrong. For example, "The teacher took the student to task for speaking out of turn in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Each of these - with a paradoxical lightness, and a sense of mixed resolution and unresolvedness that leaves its readers both satisfied and disturbed - would take to task its own contemporaneity and ask profound questions about art, life and belief.

The Guardian - Books

"Any extremism, any terrorism from here will not be allowed," he said, adding later, "We have to take to task any extremist here of whatever shape and color -- and we'll take them to task".

The New York Times

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] for failureSIR – You take to task executive pay packages, in particular golden parachutes and rewards for failure ("Where's the stick?", October 11th).

The Economist

In the run-up to the vote, the remain campaign desperately tried to take to task the leave campaign's claim that exiting the EU would free up £350m a week for the NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Journal's isn't the first long-form piece on retirement savings adequacy I've had to take to task, and it surely won't be the last.

Forbes

While the president named no names and did not deliver the "tongue lashing" to corporate executives some expected, his speech did take to task CEOs who accept "tens of millions of dollars in bonuses just before their companies go bankrupt".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(The book was taken to task for oversimplying matters.

The New York Times - Arts

Husbands are rarely taken to task for their wives' behavior.

The Washington Post

Yet he has also been taken to task.

The Washington Post

"I was taken to task by Norman Mailer about my approach to writing novels," Ellis goes on.

The Guardian - Books

However the RGT has been taken to task for being too close to the industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take to task" when you want to emphasize the act of holding someone accountable for their actions, often implying a formal or serious discussion about their behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "take to task" in very casual or informal situations. It's more appropriate for professional settings, formal discussions, or when addressing serious misconduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take to task" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an idiomatic expression. It signifies the act of formally reprimanding or holding someone accountable for their actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take to task" is an idiomatic verb phrase that means to formally reprimand or hold someone accountable for their actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently used in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "reprimand", "rebuke", and "admonish". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the situation and the desired level of formality. Avoid using it in very casual contexts. Remember to avoid using it in very casual contexts. The alternatives for the phrase are "reprimand", "rebuke", and "admonish".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand

A more formal and direct way of expressing disapproval or censure.

rebuke

Implies a sharp or stern disapproval.

admonish

Suggests a gentle but firm warning.

chastise

Indicates punishment or severe criticism.

scold

A more informal term for expressing disapproval, often used with children.

censure

A formal expression of disapproval.

criticize

A general term for expressing disapproval or finding fault.

reproach

Expresses disappointment or disapproval.

berate

To scold or criticize someone angrily.

call out

To publicly criticize someone's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "take to task" in a sentence?

You can use "take to task" to indicate that someone is being reprimanded or criticized for their actions. For instance, "The manager had to take the employee to task for repeated tardiness."

What are some alternatives to "take to task"?

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

Is it correct to say "taken to task"?

Yes, "taken to task" is the passive form of the phrase and is commonly used. For example, "He was taken to task for his controversial remarks."

What is the difference between "take to task" and "criticize"?

"Take to task" implies a more formal and direct reprimand or holding someone accountable, while "criticize" is a more general term for expressing disapproval or finding fault.