tell off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “tell off” mean?
To reprimand or scold someone for doing something wrong.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To reprimand or scold someone for doing something wrong.
To express strong disapproval to someone about their behavior, often in an angry or formal manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and slightly more informal in British English. In American English, 'scold', 'chew out', or 'reprimand' might be preferred in similar contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a connotation of mild to moderate severity. It is less formal than 'reprimand' but more structured than casual nagging.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English corpora. In American English, it is understood but may be perceived as a Britishism.
Grammar
How to Use “tell off” in a Sentence
[Subject] tell [Object] off[Subject] tell off [Object] for [gerund/noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tell off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headteacher told him off for running in the corridor.
- I got told off by my mum for coming home late.
American English
- The coach told off the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- She told her brother off for borrowing the car without asking.
adverb
British English
- He spoke tell-off-ishly to his subordinate.
- (Note: This adverbial form is highly non-standard and rarely used.)
American English
- She reacted tell-off-ingly to the suggestion.
- (Note: This adverbial form is highly non-standard and rarely used.)
adjective
British English
- He had a told-off look on his face after the meeting.
- The told-off child sat quietly in the corner.
American English
- She wore a told-off expression after the lecture.
- The told-off employee avoided eye contact.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally among colleagues; a manager might tell off an employee for a repeated mistake.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in pedagogical texts or narratives.
Everyday
Common in descriptions of parental, teacher, or peer interactions.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tell off”
- Incorrect: *'She told off him.' Correct: 'She told him off.' or 'She told off the student.'
- Incorrect preposition: *'told off about'. Correct: 'told off for'.
- Using it in overly formal contexts where 'reprimand' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'She told the student off' or 'She told off the student'.
It is generally too informal for formal reports. 'Reprimand', 'admonish', or 'censure' would be more appropriate.
The noun form is 'telling-off' (e.g., 'He got a severe telling-off from his boss').
Not necessarily. It implies disapproval, which can range from mild disappointment to strong anger, often indicated by modifiers (e.g., 'gently told off', 'angrily told off').
To reprimand or scold someone for doing something wrong.
Tell off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtel ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtel ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone a telling-off”
- “get told off”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a teacher pointing a finger and saying 'TELL me OFF the list of good students' because you misbehaved.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERBAL PUNISHMENT IS PHYSICAL REMOVAL (off a list, off a pedestal).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'tell off' correctly?