word of rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word of rebuke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or expression that criticizes or reprimands someone for their actions or behavior. Example: "After the incident, the manager delivered a word of rebuke to the team, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not a word of rebuke.

The New Yorker

To make it worse President Clinton said nary a word of rebuke, instead mourning his own inability to engage in ribald public humor.

Huffington Post

For this, the actresses must be forever grateful, never uttering a word of rebuke, a complaint or, God forbid, an honest opinion.

Huffington Post

In his account, Gracie wrote of the admiration he had for those in the water; "In no instance, I am happy to say, did I hear any word of rebuke from a swimmer because of a refusal to grant assistance... [one refusal] was met with the manly voice of a powerful man... 'All right boys, good luck and God bless you'".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He read it to me, slowly and clearly, pronouncing with strange empathy every one of the words of rebuke that were directed at him.

The New Yorker

He creates under the pseudonym Increpare, the Latin word for "rebuke".

The Guardian - Tech

This year's prize, in other words, is a kind of rebuke.

The New Yorker

Word of the reinstatements brought a sharp rebuke from one Republican critic, Representative Darrell Issa of California.

The New York Times

The committee review stops short of accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but offers a carefully worded rebuke of the $1-billion-plus technology effort in the nation's second-largest school system.

Los Angeles Times

Surely, this is the best kind of rebuke.

The Guardian - Books

So far, no peep of rebuke!

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "word of rebuke", ensure the context clearly indicates who is delivering the rebuke and to whom. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "word of rebuke" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "criticism" or "scolding" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word of rebuke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and refers to an instance of expressing criticism or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "word of rebuke" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a statement or expression of criticism or disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English, particularly in neutral to formal contexts such as news articles and reports. While it's not a highly frequent expression, understanding its meaning and usage can help writers convey specific instances of criticism or correction with precision. Consider the context and level of formality when choosing between "word of rebuke" and its alternatives, such as ""expression of disapproval"" or ""statement of criticism"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of disapproval

Focuses on the act of showing disagreement rather than a direct reprimand.

statement of criticism

Emphasizes the critical nature of the remark, potentially more formal.

reprimanding remark

Highlights the act of scolding or correcting someone.

admonishing statement

Suggests a gentle or cautionary warning.

scolding comment

Implies a more severe and direct form of disapproval.

expression of censure

Indicates a formal or official expression of disapproval.

critical observation

Highlights the judgmental aspect of the statement.

reproachful comment

Focuses on expressing disappointment or disapproval.

disapproving remark

General term for showing disagreement or disapproval.

mild reproof

Highlights the gentleness and mildness of disapproval

FAQs

How can I use "word of rebuke" in a sentence?

You can use "word of rebuke" to describe a statement expressing strong disapproval or criticism. For example, "The manager delivered a "word of rebuke" to the team after the project failure".

What are some alternatives to "word of rebuke"?

Alternatives include "expression of disapproval", "statement of criticism", or "reprimanding remark". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality.

Is "word of rebuke" formal or informal?

"Word of rebuke" leans toward the formal side. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "word of rebuke" and "word of reproach"?

"Word of rebuke" implies a stronger and more direct criticism than "word of reproach", which suggests mild disappointment or gentle correction.