be penalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be penalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is subject to punishment or a penalty for a specific action or behavior. Example: "If you fail to submit your report on time, you may be penalized according to company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ultimately, the court ruled, the taxpayers would be penalized.

The New York Times

"Their news organizations would also be penalized," the newspaper added.

The New York Times

Companies should be penalized if they fail undercover tests.

The New York Times

"I feel I shouldn't be penalized for that".

The New York Times

A candidate shouldn't be penalized for excessive unpopularity, though.

The New Yorker

"I don't think we will be penalized," he said.

The New York Times

You should not be penalized for doing her the favor.

The New York Times - Magazine

The company has apologized and will not be penalized.

The New York Times

Microsoft has been found guilty and will be penalized.

The New Yorker

That meant Mayweather would be penalized — or, more accurately, billed.

The New Yorker

She did not sign and feels she could be penalized.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be penalized" in formal contexts where a rule or regulation has been violated. It clearly indicates a consequence is being applied.

Common error

Avoid using "be penalized" in very casual conversation. Opt for more informal alternatives like "get in trouble" or "face the consequences" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be penalized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving a penalty or punishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure adheres to standard English grammar. It is frequently used to describe the consequences of violating rules or regulations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be penalized" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that signifies the imposition of a penalty for a rule violation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, most notably in news and media, where it serves to inform about potential consequences. When aiming for clarity and formality, "be penalized" is a solid choice; however, remember to consider less formal alternatives like "face consequences" for casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be punished

A broader term for receiving a negative consequence for wrongdoing.

Suffer a penalty

A more direct and active way of expressing the same concept of receiving a penalty.

Be sanctioned

Suggests a more formal or official punishment, often by an authority.

Face consequences

Implies dealing with the results of an action, often negative, but less formal than "be penalized".

Be disciplined

Implies a corrective action, often in a structured environment.

Be held accountable

Focuses on responsibility and facing the repercussions.

Incur a fine

Specifically refers to a monetary penalty.

Pay the price

An idiomatic expression indicating suffering consequences, often severe.

Be reprimanded

A formal expression of disapproval or censure.

Receive a disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact without explicitly mentioning punishment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be penalized"?

To "be penalized" means to suffer a disadvantage or punishment for violating a rule, law, or agreement. This can range from minor setbacks to significant consequences.

How can I use "be penalized" in a sentence?

You can use "be penalized" in a sentence to indicate that someone will receive a punishment for an action, such as "If you don't submit your report on time, you may "be penalized"."

What are some alternatives to saying "be penalized"?

Some alternatives to "be penalized" include "be punished", "face consequences", or "suffer a penalty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "penalized" or "punished"?

"Penalized" often implies a specific rule violation, while "punished" is a more general term for receiving a negative consequence. Therefore, penalized is better choice for more formal contexts and punished for a broader range of situations.