What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chastising
Example
The teacher chastised the student for not completing their homework. [chastised: verb]
Example
She received a chastising from her boss for arriving late to work. [chastising: noun]
scold
Example
My mom scolded me for breaking the vase. [scolded: verb]
Example
The teacher gave the students a scolding for talking during class. [scolding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scold is more commonly used than chastising in everyday language. Scold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while chastising is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between chastising and scold?
While chastising is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, scold can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Scold allows for a wider range of emotions and intensities, making it suitable for various levels of formality.
