be penalised for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be penalised for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing consequences or punishments for specific actions or behaviors. Example: "Students may be penalised for not adhering to the school's code of conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will we be penalised for it?

The Guardian - Opinion

You shouldn't be penalised for that.

The Guardian

No one should be penalised for disagreeing with the Government".

Independent

But the poor will be penalised for wanting the same.

Independent

You shouldn't be penalised for doing a good job".

The Guardian - Film

We are concerned we will be penalised for this.

The Guardian

In time, those that squander capital will be penalised for doing so.

The Economist

Indeed, these peoples could justly be penalised for failing to conform to European norms.

The Guardian

Either way, there's absolutely no reason why you should now be penalised for that.

The Guardian - Money

Another 300,000 secondary earners will also be penalised for taking on extra work under the scheme.

The Guardian

4.12pm: A Tory MP asks Cable to confirm that wealthy students won't be penalised for repaying their loans early.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be penalised for", ensure the reason for the penalty is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Employees may be penalised for repeated tardiness."

Common error

Avoid using "be penalised for" when describing natural consequences that aren't formally imposed. Use it only when referring to an actual rule or law being broken. For instance, instead of saying "You'll be penalised for not studying" (a natural consequence), say "You risk failing the exam if you don't study".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be penalised for" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject receives a penalty as a result of a specific action or inaction. It highlights the consequence of violating a rule or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be penalised for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the imposition of a penalty as a consequence of an action. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase. Its use is most prevalent in news and media, maintaining a generally neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure the reason for the penalty is clear. Alternatives such as "be punished for" or "face consequences for" can be used depending on the specific context. Be mindful to distinguish between formal penalties and natural consequences to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be punished for

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of receiving a punishment for something.

be disciplined for

This alternative highlights the aspect of being subjected to disciplinary action.

be sanctioned for

Similar to "be penalised for", but often implies a more formal or official disapproval.

face repercussions for

This alternative focuses on the broader concept of facing consequences, which may not always be a formal penalty.

be reprimanded for

This suggests a formal rebuke or scolding.

be held liable for

This phrase focuses on legal responsibility and the potential for financial or other penalties.

suffer consequences for

This suggests a more passive experience of enduring negative outcomes.

pay the price for

A more figurative expression suggesting a negative outcome as a result of one's actions.

bear the brunt of

This alternative indicates enduring the worst part of a negative situation or consequence.

answer for

This implies being held accountable and having to explain or justify actions.

FAQs

What does "be penalised for" mean?

The phrase "be penalised for" means to suffer a disadvantage, punishment, or sanction as a consequence of doing something wrong or breaking a rule. It implies a formal action taken against someone due to a violation.

What can I say instead of "be penalised for"?

You can use alternatives like "be punished for", "face consequences for", or "be sanctioned for" depending on the context.

How to use "be penalised for" in a sentence?

The phrase "be penalised for" is used in a passive construction to indicate that someone will receive a punishment or sanction for a specific action. For example, "Students may be penalised for plagiarism."

Is it correct to say "be penalised because of" instead of "be penalised for"?

While "be penalised because of" isn't grammatically incorrect, "be penalised for" is more concise and commonly used. "Be penalised because of" is suitable when you want to emphasize the cause-and-effect relationship more explicitly, but "be penalised for" is generally preferred for its directness.