took him to task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took him to task" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is being reprimanded or criticized for their actions or behavior. Example: "The manager took him to task for missing the deadline and not communicating with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The judges took him to task, saying his renditions seemed to lack authenticity.

The New York Times

None of the other candidates took him to task for this.

The New York Times

I was livid and took him to task on the spot.

The Guardian - Opinion

A female delegate took him to task for the tuition fees claim.

The Guardian

Later, Donnelly and his campaign realized what Mourdock had said, and rightly took him to task.

The New Yorker

But, when she heard the revelations, Ms Gaga - whose real name is Stefani Germanotta – took him to task on Twitter.

Independent

On May 19, an editorial in the daily El Mundo took him to task for energy stands.

The New York Times

Others took him to task for deliberately courting danger, heedless of the cost to taxpayers of his various rescues.

The New York Times

Last week hapless departmental press officer Terri Coverley took him to task – rightly – for flaws in his PR strategy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But European Council President Donald Tusk took him to task on 3 September in Brussels for his remarks on Europe's Christian heritage.

Independent

They also took him to task for defending the freedom of writers to publish material, "even if it called for apostasy" or described "flirtation, love and sex".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took him to task" when you want to convey that someone was corrected or reprimanded for a specific fault or action. It's best used when the criticism was deserved and aimed at improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "took him to task" for minor issues. This phrase implies a significant reprimand; using it for trivial matters can make the response seem disproportionate and overly harsh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took him to task" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone was criticized or reprimanded for a specific action or behavior. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used when someone's actions warrant correction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took him to task" is a common idiom used to describe a situation where someone is criticized or reprimanded for their actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "reprimanded him" and "criticized him severely", though the best alternative will depend on the precise context. When using "took him to task", remember that it implies a serious reprimand, suitable for significant faults. Overall, "took him to task" is a versatile and effective way to describe justified criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimanded him

Focuses specifically on the act of formal correction or scolding.

criticized him severely

Emphasizes the intensity and negativity of the criticism.

chastised him

Implies a verbal rebuke, often with the intent to correct behavior.

rebuked him

Suggests a sharp disapproval or criticism, often in a formal setting.

scolded him

Implies a mild form of reprimand, often used in parental or informal contexts.

called him out

Indicates a public confrontation about a mistake or wrongdoing.

gave him a dressing-down

Conveys a severe and often humiliating reprimand.

hauled him over the coals

Indicates a harsh and thorough criticism or interrogation.

read him the riot act

Suggests a firm warning about unacceptable behavior with potential consequences.

laid into him

Indicates a forceful and often angry verbal attack.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "took him to task"?

When someone "took him to task", it means they criticized or reprimanded him, often for a specific mistake or failure.

What are some alternatives to saying "took him to task"?

You can use alternatives like "reprimanded him", "criticized him severely", or "chastised him" depending on the context.

Is "took him to task" too formal for casual conversation?

While not extremely formal, "took him to task" is better suited for neutral or professional contexts. In casual conversations, phrases like "called him out" might be more appropriate.

How is "took him to task" different from "scolded him"?

"Took him to task" suggests a more serious and justified criticism, often with an intention to correct. "Scolded him" implies a milder, perhaps parental, form of reprimand.