Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
duly punished
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'duly punished' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used when someone should be officially punished for their actions. For example: "The criminal was duly punished for his crimes against society."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sport
Books
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
35 human-written examples
Fulham were duly punished for their profligacy.
News & Media
Duly punished, they were sent home.
News & Media
Arsenal duly punished them with a precise move.
News & Media
Furthermore it finished in what is a fatal place, and I was duly punished".
News & Media
In a very black comedy of elaborately choreographed coincidences, weakness and self-indulgence are duly punished.
News & Media
Michael Snaer cited a lack of focus heading into the game, and Florida State was duly punished.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
25 human-written examples
In China, by contrast, the optimists score 83%.British voters are duly punishing their politicians, who seem impotent in the face of global economic storms.
News & Media
The man responsible for the Amritsar massacre was duly charged and punished.
News & Media
The perpetrators identified by this inquiry should be "duly prosecuted and punished appropriately" and the victims compensated, the report says.
News & Media
Photograph: Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images Updated at 5.51pm BST 4.59pm BST First set: Djokovic 5-1 Tsonga*denotesteserverer): Tsonga's gameplan is all over the shop - he delivers a sub-100mph first serve into the path of Djokovic's backhand, and is duly and rightfully punished.
News & Media
The bad actors were duly identified and punished in accordance with established law.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "duly punished", ensure the context clearly establishes the violation or misdeed that warranted the punishment for maximum impact.
Common error
Avoid using "duly punished" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "got what they deserved" or "faced the consequences" in less formal settings.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "duly punished" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a consequence or penalty has been appropriately and rightfully applied. As Ludwig AI states, it suggests an official punishment for specific actions.
Frequent in
News & Media
76%
Sport
12%
Books
4%
Less common in
Science
4%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "duly punished" is a common expression that conveys the idea of a fitting consequence being applied to an action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for when someone should be officially punished. Predominantly featured in news and media contexts, it carries a formal and neutral tone, indicating a sense of justice and resolution. While grammatically sound, the phrase is best used in formal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual conversations. Alternatives like "appropriately penalized" or "justly chastised" can provide nuanced replacements depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
appropriately penalized
Indicates the punishment was fitting for the offense, similar to "duly punished" but emphasizes appropriateness.
suitably reprimanded
Suggests a formal rebuke or scolding that aligns with the wrongdoing, differing slightly in tone from physical punishment.
justly chastised
Implies a correction or discipline that is morally justified, adding a layer of moral correctness to the punishment.
rightfully sanctioned
Focuses on an official penalty being imposed with proper authority, shifting the emphasis to legality and officialdom.
deservedly penalized
Highlights that the punishment was merited based on the actions, emphasizing the aspect of earning the negative consequence.
adequately disciplined
Specifies that the level of discipline was sufficient for the infraction, providing a measure of degree that "duly punished" does not.
properly reprimanded
Indicates the manner and method of the reprimand were correct, adding a procedural aspect to the situation.
fairly penalized
Stresses impartiality and justice in the application of the penalty, making it about fairness rather than just consequence.
appropriately sanctioned
Emphasizes the fitting nature of the sanction or penalty applied, ensuring it corresponds well with the misdeed.
deservedly sanctioned
Highlights the deserving nature of the sanction, underlining that the action warranted the consequence.
FAQs
How can I use "duly punished" in a sentence?
You can use "duly punished" to indicate that someone received an appropriate consequence for their actions. For instance, "The company was "duly punished" for its environmental violations."
What are some alternatives to "duly punished"?
Alternatives include "appropriately penalized", "justly chastised", or "rightfully sanctioned" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.
Is "duly punished" formal or informal?
"Duly punished" is considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, news, or academic contexts. It's less appropriate for casual conversation.
What does "duly" mean in the context of "duly punished"?
In this context, "duly" means "in the proper or expected manner." Therefore, "duly punished" means the punishment was administered correctly and as expected.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested