tell off

USAGE SUMMARY

"tell off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a way to reprimand someone for their behavior. For example, "After the incident at the party, my mother told me off for not following her instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Maybe while he's in the city he'll learn some new, less grave ways to tell off a man.

The New Yorker

He couldn't have found a broader broadcast news forum to tell off Boras.

The New York Times - Sports

But we can forgive Paul McCartney that lost opportunity to tell off the Gallagher brothers.

The Guardian - Music

And you get to tell off your own family, at least on screen.

The New York Times - Arts

Isn't it going to be hard for Hartnett to tell off her boyfriend?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because he was one of the few radio personalities who would tell off his listeners for voting too conservatively.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We don't tell off-color jokes.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Somebody with that brain would be vulnerable to talk out of turn, tell off-color jokes in the wrong company, not being able to adjust...".

The Guardian

Its topics vary from whether it is permissible to kill a tyrant to whether it is permissible to tell off-color jokes at dinner parties.

SEP

Sadly, we know the men who tell off-color jokes, treat women as second-class citizens and perpetrate sexual harassment.

Huffington Post

Don't tell off-color jokes around ladies.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tell off" when you want to convey a sense of direct and often informal reprimanding. Consider the audience and context, as the phrase can be perceived as blunt.

Common error

Avoid using "tell off" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more professional alternatives like "reprimand" or "admonish" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tell off" is that of a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the act of reprimanding or scolding someone, often in a direct and informal manner. Ludwig AI provides examples of its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tell off" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of reprimanding someone, often in an informal way. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, as evidenced by the numerous examples across various sources. While it's most frequently found in news and media, its direct tone makes it less appropriate for formal or professional settings. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure "tell off" accurately conveys the intended message without being perceived as overly harsh. In more formal situations, alternatives like "reprimand" or "admonish" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dress down

To reprimand severely.

scold

General term for expressing disapproval or criticism.

rebuke

A sharp disapproval or criticism.

give a talking to

Informal phrase for scolding or reprimanding.

reprimand

Formal alternative emphasizing an official rebuke.

admonish

Gentle or formal expression of disapproval.

chide

Mildly reprove or scold.

read the riot act

To issue a strong warning and threat of punishment if behavior does not cease.

berate

To scold or criticize someone angrily.

lecture

Deliver an earnest or forceful speech to someone.

FAQs

How to use "tell off" in a sentence?

You can use "tell off" to describe the act of reprimanding someone. For example, "My boss told me off for being late."

What can I say instead of "tell off"?

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

Which is correct, "tell off" or "telling off"?

"Tell off" is the base phrasal verb, while "telling off" is the gerund or present participle form, used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "She received a telling off from her teacher".

What's the difference between "tell off" and "criticize"?

"Tell off" implies a more direct and often angrier form of reprimand, while "criticize" is a general term for expressing disapproval or pointing out faults.