a sanction that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sanction that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of penalty or punishment that is being discussed or defined. Example: "The committee proposed a sanction that would impose fines on organizations that fail to comply with the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Only rarely does the House take the grave step of expelling someone, a sanction that requires a two-thirds vote.

The New York Times

I was and am still more than prepared to accept a sanction that is in line with the offence.

The Guardian - Sport

The judge has become gradually more frustrated with Argentina and last year issued a ruling that included a sanction that upped the ante on the country.

The New York Times

If found guilty, Mr. Garzón, 56, could be suspended as a judge for as long as 20 years, a sanction that would effectively end his career.

The New York Times

It has also been banned from selling tickets to fans identified as hooligans for the remainder of Euro 2016, a sanction that is deferred under a probationary period.

The Guardian - Sport

ruling was significant because it represents the first time the trade body has approved a sanction that invalidates intellectual property protections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Uruguay's Sports Minister Liliam Kechichian said the punishment was a "disproportionate sanction" that "hurts us", while Uruguay Football Association president Wilmar Valdez claimed the ban was "excessive".

BBC

But Merritt, who served a 21-month sanction that ended in July, has been at the heart of the case.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, under our federalist system, the Department of Justice can pursue a criminal sanction that a state has judged unconstitutional.

The New Yorker

To be clear, that's the 2011 FTC consent decree — ergo, a major regulatory privacy sanction that Facebook incurred well over six years ago.

TechCrunch

When you are in a situation where you feel everyone else is cheating," he said, "a lot of people feel a moral sanction that they can cheat, too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sanction that", ensure the noun modified by the relative clause is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether the sanction is economic, legal, or disciplinary.

Common error

Avoid using "a sanction that" when a more specific term like "fine", "suspension", or "embargo" would be more appropriate and provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sanction that" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about a specific sanction. It introduces a description or characteristic of the sanction, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sanction that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used relative clause used to describe or provide additional information about a specific sanction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business, and sports contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the type of sanction you're referring to (economic, legal, etc.) and avoid using it when a more precise term is available. Alternatives include "a penalty that", "a punishment that", and "a consequence that". The phrase enjoys usage across various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, confirming its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a penalty which

Replaces 'sanction' with the more general term 'penalty', keeping the relative clause structure.

a punishment that

Substitutes 'sanction' with 'punishment', emphasizing the punitive aspect.

a consequence that

Replaces 'sanction' with 'consequence', focusing on the result of an action.

a measure that

Uses 'measure' to indicate a formal action taken in response to something.

a repercussion that

Emphasizes the indirect or unintended consequences of an action.

a deterrent that

Focuses on the sanction's role in preventing future actions.

a restriction that

Highlights the limiting aspect of the sanction.

an embargo that

Specifically refers to a trade-related sanction.

a boycott that

Focuses on a collective refusal to deal with someone.

a legal action that

Highlights the formal, legal nature of the sanction.

FAQs

How can I use "a sanction that" in a sentence?

You can use "a sanction that" to describe a specific type of penalty or punishment. For example: "The company faced "a sanction that" included a hefty fine and a temporary suspension of operations".

What are some alternatives to "a sanction that"?

Some alternatives include "a penalty that", "a punishment that", or "a consequence that", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a sanction that" or "sanctions that"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single, specific sanction or to multiple sanctions. Use "a sanction that" for a singular case and "sanctions that" for multiple instances.

What is the difference between "a sanction that" and "an action that"?

"A sanction that" specifically refers to a penalty or enforcement measure, while "an action that" is a broader term referring to any kind of activity or deed.