apply a sanction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply a sanction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a penalty or punishment is being enforced for a violation of rules or laws. Example: "The committee decided to apply a sanction against the team for their unsportsmanlike conduct during the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is clearly a bullying tool in order to bring LMDMs [labour market decision-makers, or people who decide on whether to apply a sanction] into line with senior management's requirement for 80% of referrals to be a sanction.

The Guardian

The report says: "There are suggestions that the department's default position may have been to apply a sanction sooner rather than later whenever a failure in compliance has been identified… But there have been many voices raised to say that this is inappropriate and that sanctions ought to be a last resort".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The availability of these three technologies will provide the court with flexibility in applying a sanction best suited to the offender's characteristics.

Alcohol research : current reviews

Jackson is also the administrator at Division Two side Dunfermline where, he says, last month the SFA applied a "fair" sanction, a ban on signing players aged over 21 until 31 December 2013.

BBC

The alternatives are many – to continue to apply economic sanctions, a policy of carrot and stick, but with much more emphasis on the carrot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked how often the sanction might be applied, a coalition source said: "We hope never.

The Guardian

However, it is likely that the SPL would seek to apply sanctions to a newco in an attempt to deter other clubs from following the same route.

BBC

The form of every law is that of a conditional order, directed at the courts, to apply sanctions if a certain behavior (the "delict") is performed.

SEP

In such a case, the university can apply sanctions only on a student, but not on a contract cheating services provider.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

People need a transparent system that can take into account their situation, set suitable work-search requirements and, where appropriate, apply sanctions at a level that won't limit their chances of employment".

The Guardian

"From a legal standpoint, Usada does not have jurisdiction to apply sanctions on an athlete, particularly as these allegations concern non-analytical findings [they are based on witness testimony, not positive tests] in a case of international dimensions," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal or legal situations, use "apply a sanction" to clearly communicate the imposition of a penalty or corrective measure. It conveys a sense of official action and consequence.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "a sanction was applied". Instead, use the active voice: "the committee applied a sanction". Active voice makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply a sanction" functions as a verb phrase where "apply" is the verb indicating the action of implementing or enforcing, and "sanction" is the noun representing the penalty or restrictive measure being put into effect. It is typically used in contexts where rules, laws, or agreements are being enforced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply a sanction" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates the act of imposing a penalty or restrictive measure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears in both news and scientific contexts, signaling a formal to neutral register. To enhance clarity and impact, use active voice and consider alternatives like "impose a penalty" or "enforce a restriction" based on your specific context. Remember to choose the phrase that best reflects the nuance you want to convey, whether it's the procedural implementation or the authoritative enforcement of a rule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a penalty

Replaces "apply a sanction" with a more general term for punishment, focusing on the act of imposing.

enforce a restriction

Focuses on the act of enforcing a rule or limitation, rather than the specific term "sanction".

implement a punishment

Uses "implement" to emphasize the execution of a penalty.

levy a fine

Specifically refers to imposing a monetary penalty.

administer a consequence

Highlights the act of delivering a result following an action or inaction.

decree a ban

Implies a formal or authoritative pronouncement of a prohibition.

invoke a clause

Refers to formally putting a specific provision or condition into effect.

slap with a tariff

An informal way of saying to impose a tax on imported goods.

bring down the hammer

An idiom describing the act of punishing.

lay down the law

Refers to establishing and enforcing rules or demands authoritatively.

FAQs

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

Use "apply a sanction" when referring to the act of imposing a penalty or corrective measure, as in, "The governing body decided to "apply a sanction" to the organization for violating regulations."

What are some alternatives to "apply a sanction"?

Some alternatives include "impose a penalty", "enforce a restriction", or "implement a punishment", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "apply a sanction" or "impose a sanction"?

Both ""apply a sanction"" and "impose a sanction" are correct, but "apply" suggests a more procedural or practical implementation, while "impose" suggests a more authoritative or forceful action.

What's the difference between "apply a sanction" and "issue a sanction"?

"Apply a sanction" refers to the act of putting the sanction into effect, whereas "issue a sanction" refers to the act of formally declaring or announcing the sanction.