What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
admonish
Example
The teacher admonished the students to be quiet during the exam. [admonished: past tense verb]
Example
He was admonished by his doctor to quit smoking for the sake of his health. [admonished: past participle verb]
scold
Example
My mom scolded me for coming home late. [scolded: past tense verb]
Example
The boss scolded the employee for making a costly mistake. [scolded: past participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scold is more commonly used than admonish in everyday language. Scold is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while admonish is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between admonish and scold?
Admonish is more formal than scold. It is often used in professional or academic settings, while scold is more informal and colloquial, used in everyday conversations.
