appropriate penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appropriate penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a suitable or fitting punishment for a specific offense or wrongdoing. Example: "The judge determined that the appropriate penalty for the crime was a fine and community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We design an appropriate penalty shape and derive an associated oracle-type inequality.

Statistics & Probability Letters

WHAT is the appropriate penalty for a firm that abets genocide?

The Economist

He added that Doherty should receive the "appropriate penalty" regardless of his career.

Independent

In the past, a player who signed a scorecard without applying the appropriate penalty was disqualified.

The New York Times

The decision clears the way for another judge to consider the most appropriate penalty for Microsoft's antitrust violations.

The New York Times

Because they are not advocates but neutral arbiters who seek to impose an appropriate penalty in each individual case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nearly as awful is the industry's refusal to punish habitual offenders with appropriate penalties.

The New York Times

It isn't that the legal system doesn't have appropriate penalties.

The New York Times

The government should clarify that such actions are breaking the Computer Misuse Act and attach appropriate penalties," say the campaigners.

The Guardian - Money

How can you determine appropriate penalties for troubling practices when you haven't conducted a full-fledged investigation?

The New York Times

The harsh aspects of these laws are still on the books: Mandatory sentencing provisions remain intact, meaning that judges still do not have discretion in deciding appropriate penalties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, clearly define the criteria used to determine what constitutes an "appropriate penalty" in the context of your research.

Common error

Avoid applying a one-size-fits-all approach. The "appropriate penalty" should always be determined by considering the specific circumstances of the situation, including mitigating factors and relevant precedents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appropriate penalty" functions as a noun phrase, where "appropriate" modifies the noun "penalty". It refers to a punishment or consequence that is suitable or fitting for a particular offense or wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appropriate penalty" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a punishment that is suitable for a particular offense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in written English, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the specific context and factors that determine what constitutes an appropriate consequence. Alternatives like "suitable punishment" or "fitting consequence" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fitting penalty

Is a direct synonym of the original term.

suitable punishment

Replaces "penalty" with a more general term for consequence, while "suitable" maintains the idea of fitting the crime.

fitting consequence

Substitutes both "appropriate" and "penalty" with synonyms, emphasizing the deserved nature of the outcome.

deserved punishment

Highlights the justice aspect of the penalty, implying that it is warranted by the offense.

just retribution

Uses more formal language to convey the idea of a fair and deserved consequence.

commensurate penalty

Emphasizes the proportionality of the penalty to the offense.

due consequence

Implies that the penalty is something owed or required as a result of the action.

suitable sanction

Replaces "penalty" with "sanction", which is a more formal term for a consequence or punishment.

adequate punishment

Focuses on the sufficiency of the punishment to address the wrongdoing.

merited consequence

Highlights that the outcome is earned by the action.

FAQs

How is the "appropriate penalty" determined in legal contexts?

The "appropriate penalty" in legal contexts is typically determined by considering factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and relevant sentencing guidelines. Judges and juries weigh these elements to ensure the penalty is just and proportionate.

What factors influence the determination of an "appropriate penalty" in academic settings?

In academic settings, determining the "appropriate penalty" for misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, often involves considering the intent of the student, the extent of the violation, and the institution's academic integrity policies. Penalties may range from a failing grade to expulsion.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "appropriate penalty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "suitable punishment", "fitting consequence", or "deserved punishment" to convey a similar meaning.

How does the concept of "appropriate penalty" relate to restorative justice?

In restorative justice, the focus shifts from punitive measures to repairing harm and addressing the needs of victims and communities. The "appropriate penalty", in this context, may involve restitution, community service, or other actions that promote healing and accountability.