tell him off

USAGE SUMMARY

"tell him off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to scold or reprimand someone for their behavior or actions. Example: "Mom was so angry when she found out I had skipped school. She really told me off for being irresponsible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I tell him off because I love him.

Independent

'I don't automatically tell him off now for every little thing.

The Guardian

I have to tell him off! "I think it's a nice change for him though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I can tell him off in private in front of the other guys.

The Guardian

Nick, as he reminds me tearfully whenever I tell him off for shouting at his carers, can't go anywhere or do anything.

Independent

I'll get you to the next stop on time and you can tell him off when you get on".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I told him off and left," he said.

The New York Times

I told him off and started handing out tampons.

The Guardian

The woman kept telling him off, and she'd drawn a crowd.

The New Yorker

On honeymoon in the Pacific she told him off at a party.

The Guardian - Sport

A child tells him off for wearing the old club shirt under his costume.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tell him off" when you want to convey a sense of informal reprimand. It's suitable for situations where the tone is corrective but not overly formal or severe.

Common error

Avoid using "tell him off" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "reprimand" or "rebuke" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell him off" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically used to describe the act of scolding or reprimanding someone. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tell him off" is a very common phrasal verb used to describe scolding or reprimanding someone, as supported by a wide range of examples. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. It is generally informal to neutral in register, suitable for everyday conversations and less formal writing. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "reprimand him" or "rebuke him" in professional or academic contexts. When used appropriately, "tell him off" effectively conveys disapproval and the need for behavioral correction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scold him

Implies a milder form of rebuke than "tell him off".

give him a talking-to

Informal and implies a serious but possibly gentle reprimand.

reprimand him

A more formal way to express disapproval and correction.

call him out

Implies publicly pointing out and criticizing someone's behavior.

dress him down

An informal phrase suggesting a severe reprimand.

rebuke him

A formal expression indicating sharp disapproval.

give him a piece of my mind

Indicates expressing one's anger or disapproval directly.

chastise him

Suggests a stronger, often more formal, correction.

lecture him

Suggests giving a lengthy and serious reprimand, often in a condescending manner.

berate him

Conveys a prolonged and critical scolding.

FAQs

How can I use "tell him off" in a sentence?

You can use "tell him off" to describe scolding someone for their actions. For example: "She had to tell him off for not doing his chores".

What's a less informal alternative to "tell him off"?

If you're looking for a less informal phrase, consider using alternatives like "reprimand him" or "scold him", depending on the context.

Is "tell him off" appropriate for professional writing?

While "tell him off" is commonly understood, it's generally too informal for professional writing. Opt for phrases like "rebuke him" or "issue a formal warning" in such contexts.

What does it mean to "call someone out" compared to "tell him off"?

"Call someone out" is to publicly point out and criticize someone's behavior, while "tell him off" typically implies a private or less public reprimand. They both involve addressing wrongdoing, but the setting and scope differ.