yell at

USAGE SUMMARY

"yell at" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where someone speaks loudly and angrily to someone else. Example: The coach yelled at the players for their poor performance on the field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They yell at you".

The New Yorker

Yell at each other?

The New York Times

Would Brown yell at them?

The New York Times - Sports

Yell at Nixon?

The New York Times - Sports

Come on, yell at me.

The New York Times

"I don't yell at people.

The New York Times

You yell at him every time".

The New Yorker

I've had patients yell at me.

The New York Times

"Don't yell at the executive.

The New York Times

"We didn't yell at them.

The New York Times

Shoes never yell at you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "yell at", consider the impact of your language on the recipient. While it conveys strong emotion, it can also be perceived as aggressive or disrespectful. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the intensity of the scolding.

Common error

Avoid using "yell at" when your intention is to provide constructive feedback. Yelling implies anger and can shut down communication, making it difficult for the recipient to understand and accept your message. Instead, focus on delivering criticism calmly and respectfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yell at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of scolding or rebuking someone with a raised voice and heightened emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It directly conveys the manner in which someone is addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

38%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yell at" is a verb phrase primarily used to express anger or disapproval through loud vocalization. Ludwig AI verifies it as correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it carries a tone ranging from informal to neutral. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "scold" or "reprimand". When using "yell at", be mindful of its potential to cause offense; constructive feedback is better delivered with calm and respectful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bawl out

Informal term for scolding loudly.

give a piece of one's mind

To express one's feelings or opinions frankly and forcefully.

dress down

An informal way of saying to scold severely.

berate

To criticize someone angrily and lengthily.

rebuke

Expresses sharp disapproval or criticism.

scold

A more formal and less intense way to express disapproval.

criticize harshly

Focuses on the severity of the criticism.

admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly.

reprimand

Suggests a formal rebuke, often in an official context.

chide

A gentle form of scolding or rebuke.

FAQs

How to use "yell at" in a sentence?

You can use "yell at" to describe someone expressing anger vocally towards another person. For example: "The coach yelled at the players after the game".

What can I say instead of "yell at"?

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

Which is correct, "yell at" or "yell to"?

"Yell at" is the correct phrasing when expressing anger or displeasure towards someone. "Yell to" implies shouting in order to be heard, not necessarily in anger.

What's the difference between "yell at" and "talk to in an angry voice"?

"Yell at" implies a higher level of intensity and volume compared to "talk to in an angry voice". The former suggests a more aggressive and less controlled expression of anger.