be penalized for

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"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

You should not be penalized for doing her the favor.

The New York Times - Magazine

New York shouldn't be penalized for playing an inferior opponent.

The New York Times

But people should not be penalized for working hard or because they end up doing well".

The New York Times

According to Nascar rules, drivers are supposed to be penalized for going under the line.

The New York Times - Sports

Who stands to gain, and therefore should be penalized for wasteful & destructive logging practices?

The New York Times

Churches and charities, in principle, could be penalized for providing food or shelter.

The New Yorker

If there was a banned substance in her body, Edwards had to be penalized for it.

The New York Times - Sports

Should a candidate be penalized for liberalizing as the country as a whole has liberalized?

The New York Times

Illegal immigrants, advocates argue, should not be penalized for their parents' actions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be penalized for", ensure the reason for the penalty is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "Employees will be penalized for lateness."

Common error

Avoid using "be penalized for" without specifying the action that leads to the penalty. Vague statements like "Mistakes will be penalized" lack clarity. Always clarify the specific infraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be penalized for" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that someone or something will receive a negative consequence as a result of a specific action or inaction. Ludwig shows its versatile application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be penalized for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that someone will face negative consequences for a particular action. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions of rules, regulations, and accountability. While it maintains a neutral register, it can be adapted for both formal and informal situations. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the exact action that leads to the penalty. Alternatives like "face consequences for" or "be punished for" can also be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face consequences for

Focuses on the result of an action, implying a formal or informal outcome.

suffer the consequences of

Emphasizes the negative impact and personal experience of the repercussions.

be punished for

Highlights the punitive aspect, suggesting a deliberate imposition of a penalty.

incur a penalty due to

Implies a formal assessment and imposition of a fine or sanction.

be sanctioned for

Indicates a formal disapproval and imposition of restrictions or penalties, often by an authority.

be liable for

Focuses on the legal responsibility and potential for financial or other penalties.

answer for

Implies being held accountable and facing the consequences for one's actions.

be disciplined for

Emphasizes the corrective action taken in response to a violation or misbehavior.

bear the brunt of

Suggests enduring the most severe or adverse effects of an action or situation.

be reprimanded for

Indicates a formal expression of disapproval or censure.

FAQs

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

You can use "be penalized for" to indicate that someone will receive a punishment or negative consequence for a specific action. For instance, "Students will "be penalized for" plagiarism".

What are some alternatives to "be penalized for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "face consequences for", "be punished for", or "suffer the consequences of", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it better to use "be penalized for" or "face consequences for"?

Both "be penalized for" and "face consequences for" are correct, but "be penalized for" often implies a more formal or official punishment, while "face consequences for" can refer to any negative result.

Can "be penalized for" be used in informal contexts?

While "be penalized for" is generally suitable for formal contexts, it can also be used informally to describe negative repercussions. For example, "If you don't do your chores, you'll "be penalized for" it by losing your allowance".