taken to task for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taken to task for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is being criticized or reprimanded for their actions or decisions. Example: "The manager was taken to task for not meeting the project deadlines."

✓ 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

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - TV & Radio

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

The New York Times

But Drohojowska-Philp shouldn't be taken to task for not writing one of them.

The New York Times - Books

Another antebellum president, James Buchanan, is also taken to task for failing to avert the south's secession.

The Guardian - Opinion

The letter contained complaints that journalists were "taken to task" for not giving adequate coverage to Zuma.

The Guardian

Riley can be taken to task for his stubbornness, staying too long with players he believes in.

The New York Times - Sports

She was taken to task for wearing suggestive clothing, and being a bit too sexy for her pre-teenaged audience.

The New York Times

(After she gave birth, she was taken to task for banning telecommuting while building herself an office nursery).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taken to task for" when you want to convey that someone has been criticized or reprimanded, often for a specific action or decision. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "taken to task for" in overly formal contexts where a more direct term like "reprimanded" or "criticized" might be more appropriate. Ensure the tone matches the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken to task for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone has been criticized or reprimanded for a specific action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taken to task for" is a widely used idiomatic phrase that indicates criticism or reprimand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, predominantly within news and media contexts. While suitable for general communication, consider the formality of the context and choose more precise language if needed. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey accountability and censure for specific actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticized for

Direct replacement, focusing on the act of criticizing.

reprimanded for

Implies a formal rebuke, often from a superior.

chastised for

Suggests a scolding, possibly with an element of correction.

berated for

Indicates harsh and prolonged criticism.

called out for

Emphasizes public exposure of wrongdoing.

held accountable for

Highlights responsibility and the consequences thereof.

taken to the woodshed for

Idiomatic and informal, suggesting a severe scolding.

admonished for

A formal warning or reprimand.

penalized for

Suggests a formal punishment or sanction.

rebuked for

Implies sharp disapproval or criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "taken to task for" to indicate that someone has been criticized or reprimanded for something. For example: "The CEO was taken to task for the company's poor financial performance."

What are some alternatives to "taken to task for"?

You can use alternatives like "criticized for", "reprimanded for", or "held accountable for" depending on the context.

Is "taken to task for" formal or informal?

"Taken to task for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, alternatives like "reprimanded for" might be preferable.

What does it mean to be "taken to task for" something?

To be "taken to task for" something means that you have been criticized or reprimanded for it. It implies that someone has pointed out your mistake or wrongdoing and held you accountable.