administers punishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "administers punishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is enforcing consequences or penalties for a particular action or behavior. Example: "The school principal administers punishment to students who violate the code of conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hayes prefers the stern 'diet contract' suggested by Hobbes, in which the subject promises to lose weight to the sovereign who administers punishment if they fail.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In line with earlier research (Fehr and Fischbacher 2003; Fehr and Gächter 2002; Henrich et al. 2006; Shinada et al. 2004), the costs of being punished were three times the costs of administering punishment.

Human Nature

He's administering punishment, and his face says: "Meh".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is an unfairly administered punishment whose claims as a deterrent have been largely discredited.

The New York Times

We can either build prisons till we go bust, or we can build the tools and the confidence in local communities to deal with crime and to administer punishment away from the grandstanding politicians and the tabloid press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Advocates of the law say that it ensures that federal courts across the country administer punishment uniformly, taking into account the nature and extent of the crime, a defendant's criminal history, admission of guilt and the victim's vulnerability.

The New York Times

Perhaps we are slightly more indulgent of celebrity addicts, particularly when it comes to administering punishment for drug abuse, but the truth is that there are approximately 25 million addicts in this country, and only a fraction of them are famous.

The New Yorker

The other issues being addressed in the final days of negotiations include the personal-conduct policy, which is likely to remain solely in the hands of the commissioner's office despite complaints among players that Goodell has sometimes acted rashly and unevenly in administering punishment for off-the-field behavior.

The New York Times - Sports

In the camp Judy would intervene by distracting the guards when they were administering punishment.

Wikipedia

The police administered punishment to the Falun Gong practitioners, and regularly demanded money from them to recoup the costs.

Wikipedia

Wholesalers are responsible for running their own mini-fiefdom, which includes administering punishment beatings to people who don't pay their debts.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal systems or legal proceedings, using "administers punishment" can accurately convey the structured and official nature of the punitive actions. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality implied by the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "administers punishment" in casual or informal writing. The phrase is best suited for describing formal processes, so using it in everyday situations can sound overly formal or even comical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "administers punishment" functions as a verb phrase where "administers" is the verb, and "punishment" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a standard English construction. This phrase typically indicates the action of formally imposing or carrying out a penalty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "administers punishment" is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes the formal application of penalties or sanctions, commonly appearing in news, science, and wiki sources. While versatile, it is best suited for formal contexts. Related phrases include "imposes consequences" and "applies penalties". When writing, ensure its formality matches the context to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposes consequences

Focuses on the act of setting consequences rather than the act of inflicting them.

applies penalties

Highlights the application of formal penalties.

enforces disciplinary measures

Emphasizes the enforcement aspect within a structured disciplinary system.

metes out justice

Suggests a more formal and often legal context of dispensing justice.

inflicts retribution

Conveys a sense of retaliation or revenge.

levies sanctions

Typically used in the context of international relations or formal organizations.

hands down sentences

Specifically refers to the act of a judge or court delivering a sentence.

dispenses discipline

Focuses on the act of distributing discipline, often in an educational or training context.

carries out the sentence

Emphasizes the execution of a previously determined punishment.

executes judgment

Highlights the finality and formality of carrying out a legal decision.

FAQs

What does "administers punishment" mean?

The phrase "administers punishment" means to formally impose or carry out a penalty or sanction as a consequence for wrongdoing or a violation of rules. It often implies a systematic or official process.

What are some synonyms for "administers punishment"?

Alternatives to "administers punishment" include "imposes consequences", "applies penalties", and "enforces disciplinary measures", each varying slightly in formality and context.

In what contexts is "administers punishment" most appropriately used?

"Administers punishment" is most suitable in formal settings such as legal, institutional, or organizational contexts where penalties are systematically applied. It's commonly found in discussions about law, education, and management.

Is "administers punishment" the same as "imposes punishment"?

While similar, "administers punishment" suggests a more involved process than simply "imposes punishment". "Administers" implies managing and carrying out the punishment, whereas "imposes" focuses on the act of setting the punishment.