as retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing punishment or consequences for a wrongdoing or offense. Example: "He acted out of anger, seeking justice as retribution for the harm done to his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Officials said the veteran, Micah Johnson, targeted officers as retribution.

The New York Times

The first two theories locate mercy within a theory of punishment as retribution.

Cornell University

"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

As for why, he guesses it may have been done as retribution.

The New York Times - Science

After it passed, Russia prohibited Americans from adopting Russian orphans as retribution.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Members have begun to carry out attacks within Pakistan, as retribution for Pakistani cooperation with the United States.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as retribution", ensure the context clearly establishes the preceding action that warrants the retributive response. This clarifies the cause-and-effect relationship and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "as retribution" when the response is disproportionate to the initial action. Overstating the severity can weaken your argument and appear unreasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as retribution" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating purpose or reason. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to connect an action with its intent to punish or avenge a previous wrong. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe motivations behind actions, highlighting the retributive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as retribution" functions as a prepositional phrase used to express that an action is undertaken as a form of punishment or revenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. This phrase is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "in retaliation", "as punishment", and "in revenge". When using "as retribution", ensure that the response is proportionate to the initial action to avoid appearing unreasonable. The high frequency and diverse contexts from Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its versatility in describing consequences and motivations behind actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in retaliation

Focuses more on the act of returning harm for harm.

as punishment

Emphasizes the act of imposing a penalty for wrongdoing.

in revenge

Highlights the emotional aspect of seeking vengeance.

as a consequence

Broadly refers to results following an action, not necessarily punitive.

to avenge

Implies taking action to right a wrong done to oneself or others.

as payback

Suggests a more informal and personal form of revenge.

in reprisal

Indicates an act of retaliation, often in a political or military context.

as a reckoning

Implies a final and decisive act of justice or vengeance.

to get even

Focuses on restoring balance after being wronged.

as just deserts

Suggests that the consequences are deserved based on one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "as retribution" in a sentence?

Use "as retribution" to indicate that an action is carried out as a form of punishment or revenge for a perceived wrong. For example, "The sanctions were imposed "in retaliation" for the country's violation of international law".

What phrases can I use instead of "as retribution"?

Alternatives to "as retribution" include "in retaliation", "as punishment", or "in revenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "act as retribution" or "act in retribution"?

While both are understandable, "act as retribution" is more common and grammatically sound. "Act in retribution" is less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.

What is the difference between "as retribution" and "as a consequence"?

"As retribution" implies a deliberate act of revenge or punishment, whereas "as a consequence" simply indicates a result or outcome of an action, without necessarily implying intent or punishment.