taken to task

USAGE SUMMARY

"taken to task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone should be held accountable for something. Example: The CEO was taken to task for not responding to the customer's queries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(The book was taken to task for oversimplying matters.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian

Next time politicians trumpet plans for tax giveaways let's hope they are taken to task.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sturgeon has understandably been taken to task over privatisations and spending squeezes in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Martin Amis should have been taken to task by his peers for his views.

The Guardian

He is taken to task for not aggressively pursuing the politicians collaborating with the cartels.

The New York Times

And when I do get taken to task, well, I should.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nothing would have happened in Sark if the feudal establishment had not been taken to task.

The Guardian

Unlike Draper though, BoJack is taken to task for his bad behaviour from the get-go.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But we could see some of the underperforming companies taken to task".

The Guardian - Business

Because he has not been taken to task for his record".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taken to task" when you want to emphasize that someone is being formally or seriously criticized for their actions or decisions. This idiom is best suited for situations where accountability is a key factor.

Common error

Avoid using "taken to task" in constructions where the actor is unclear. Always ensure it's evident who is taking whom to task. Ambiguity can weaken the impact and clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken to task" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of criticism or reprimand. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate its common usage in contexts where accountability is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taken to task" is a common idiomatic expression that signifies being criticized or reprimanded, often in a formal setting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined and that the context warrants a formal expression of disapproval. Related phrases include "reprimanded" and ""held accountable"". Remember to avoid ambiguity by clarifying who is doing the criticizing to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimanded

This is a direct synonym, implying formal disapproval.

criticized

Implies expressing disapproval of someone or something.

chastised

Suggests a scolding or rebuke, often for wrongdoing.

rebuked

A formal expression of disapproval.

called out

Implies publicly pointing out someone's mistake or fault.

held accountable

Highlights the aspect of being responsible for one's actions.

read the riot act

An idiom indicating a severe scolding or warning.

taken to the woodshed

An informal idiom suggesting a private reprimand.

dressed down

Suggests a severe and often public scolding.

reproached

Expresses disapproval or disappointment.

FAQs

What does "taken to task" mean?

"Taken to task" means to be criticized or reprimanded, often formally or severely, for a mistake or wrongdoing.

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

You can use "taken to task" in a sentence like this: "The manager was "held accountable" and "taken to task" for the team's poor performance." Ensure the subject is clearly identified as the one being criticized.

What's a more formal alternative to "taken to task"?

More formal alternatives to "taken to task" include "reprimanded", "censured", or "formally rebuked".

Is it correct to say "take to task" instead of "taken to task"?

While "take to task" is the infinitive form, "taken to task" is often used in the passive voice. The correct form depends on the sentence structure. For example, "He will take her to task" versus "He was "taken to task"".