As retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As retribution" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing consequences or punishment in response to a wrongdoing. Example: "He acted out of anger, seeking justice as retribution for the betrayal." Alternative expressions include "in retaliation" and "as punishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As retribution draws nearer, the motif of a demonic mask appears with increasing menace.

The New York Times - Arts

As retribution became the focus of criminal justice, rehabilitation fell away as a goal of the system.

The New Yorker

As retribution, China Central Television used a government campaign intended to stamp out "vulgarity" in the entertainment industry to highlight some of Mr. Guo's more lewd jokes.

The New York Times

"As retribution his father burnt the son's prized cannabis plants in a bonfire on the property," said Duty Supt Louise Jorgensen.

The Guardian

As retribution for the federals' burning of nearby Sarcoxie, Shelby burned Bower's Mill, or Oregon, "a notorious pest spot for the militia … swept from the face of the earth, to pollute it no more forever".

The New York Times

"As retribution his father burnt the son's prized cannabis plants in a bonfire on the property".

Vice

"I don't look at this as retribution," James said, referring to 1998.

The New York Times - Sports

But even as retribution it is more apt to excite pity than to offer satisfaction.

The New Yorker

Her death in 2006 was widely viewed as retribution for her work.

The New York Times

The move is widely seen as retribution for the "Fix Albany" campaign.

The New York Times

We don't need to invent derogatory echoes of Dubs as retribution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As retribution" when you want to emphasize the idea of deserved punishment or consequence following a specific action. Ensure the context clearly establishes the link between the initial act and the resulting response.

Common error

Avoid using "As retribution" when simply describing a reaction or consequence without a clear element of punishment or deserved consequence. Retribution implies a moral or legal justification for the action, not just any reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As retribution" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing the reason or motive behind an action, emphasizing the concept of deserved punishment. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is used to denote actions taken in response to perceived wrongdoings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As retribution" is a prepositional phrase employed to indicate that an action is being carried out as a deserved consequence or punishment for a previous wrongdoing. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship rooted in justice or fairness. Alternatives such as "in retaliation" or "as revenge" may be more appropriate when the motivation is less about justice and more about personal payback. While "As retribution" is not extremely common, it serves as a precise and effective way to describe actions driven by a sense of justified consequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For the sake of retribution

Emphasizes retribution as the primary motivation behind the action.

In retaliation

Focuses on the act of retaliating rather than the concept of justice or deserved punishment.

As revenge

Highlights the vengeful aspect, implying a more personal and emotional motivation.

As a punitive measure

Emphasizes the intention to punish or penalize.

In response to

A more neutral way of expressing a reaction to a previous action, without necessarily implying punishment.

To exact vengeance

Implies a forceful and determined pursuit of revenge.

As a consequence

Focuses on the result of an action, suggesting a natural or logical outcome.

In the name of justice

Suggests a motivation of upholding fairness and righteousness.

To get even

An informal way to express the desire for payback.

By way of payback

Similar to "to get even" but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How to use "As retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "As retribution" to indicate that an action is being taken as a form of punishment or payback for a previous wrongdoing. For example, "The city was burned "as retribution" for the army's earlier atrocities".

What can I say instead of "As retribution"?

You can use alternatives like "in retaliation", "as revenge", or "as a consequence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "As retribution" in formal writing?

Yes, "As retribution" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, historical accounts, and legal documents where the concept of deserved punishment is relevant. Consider the nuances of alternatives like "in retaliation".

What is the difference between "As retribution" and "as revenge"?

"As retribution" suggests a sense of justice or deserved consequence, while "as revenge" implies a more personal and emotional motivation for the action.