be sanctioned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sanctioned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that someone is being punished or penalized for a specific action or behavior. Example: "The company may be sanctioned for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

If you're the first to be sanctioned for an offense, you don't get punished for it.

The New York Times

"You can't be sanctioned for doing business with somebody whose cousin is in the IRGC.

The Guardian

It is now clear that Canada will refuse to be sanctioned for abandoning its legal obligations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Iain Duncan Smith must be sanctioned for failing to get back into work again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the referee's committee has asked that Mourinho be sanctioned for criticism leveled after the Almeria draw.

Independent

You can't be sanctioned for doing business with somebody who 20 years ago was in the IRGC".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In 1924 the Winter Games were sanctioned for winter sports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also has never been sanctioned for a doping violation.

The New York Times - Sports

A woman was sanctioned for attending cancer treatment.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's true that claimants are sanctioned for piffling reasons.

The Guardian - Film

None of the three has previously been sanctioned for doping.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sanctioned for", ensure the context clearly identifies the authority imposing the sanction and the specific action that warrants it. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all negative consequences are "sanctions". A sanction is a specific type of penalty imposed by an authority, not just any adverse outcome. Use more general terms like "consequences" if the context is less formal or authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sanctioned for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of a sanction due to a specific action or failure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be sanctioned for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates the imposition of a penalty by an authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most often in news and media contexts, as well as in formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the authority imposing the sanction and the specific infraction are clear. Alternatives include "be penalized for" and "face consequences for", which offer slight variations in emphasis. Avoid overgeneralizing the term to include any negative consequence; "sanction" specifically refers to penalties imposed by a recognized body.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be penalized for

Focuses on the act of imposing a penalty as a consequence.

face consequences for

Highlights the experience of dealing with the results of an action.

be punished for

Emphasizes the punitive aspect of the response.

be disciplined for

Implies a more regulated or controlled environment where the action occurs.

be reprimanded for

Suggests a formal expression of disapproval.

incur a penalty for

Focuses on the act of acquiring or becoming subject to a penalty.

be held liable for

Highlights legal responsibility and the associated repercussions.

be condemned for

Emphasizes a strong expression of disapproval, often moral.

answer for

Suggests accountability and having to explain or justify one's actions.

pay the price for

Highlights the cost or sacrifice involved as a result of an action.

FAQs

What does "be sanctioned for" mean?

The phrase "be sanctioned for" means to receive a penalty or punishment, usually by an official body or authority, due to a violation of rules or laws.

When is it appropriate to use "be sanctioned for"?

Use "be sanctioned for" in formal contexts when discussing penalties imposed by recognized authorities, such as governments, organizations, or regulatory bodies. Examples include legal violations, ethical breaches, or policy infractions.

What are some alternatives to "be sanctioned for"?

You can use alternatives like "be penalized for", "be punished for", or "face consequences for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Be disciplined for" is another option, suitable in contexts of regulated or controlled environment.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "sanctioned for"?

The passive voice ("be sanctioned for") is often used to de-emphasize the actor imposing the sanction, focusing instead on the recipient and the action. The active voice (e.g., "the committee sanctioned him for...") is appropriate when you want to emphasize the authority or entity imposing the sanction.