general sanctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general sanctions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing rules, penalties, or measures that apply broadly rather than to specific cases. Example: "The organization has implemented general sanctions to ensure compliance with its policies across all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Several banks aided Iran not just in evading general sanctions, but in concealing payments directly involving its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, these general sanctions on North Korea don't in fact hurt key members of the regime; rather, they inflict "adverse humanitarian consequences" on civilians.

The Washington Post

There are no general sanctions stopping trade or financial dealings with Zimbabwe, as there were against its forerunner, Rhodesia, when its white-supremacist leader, Ian Smith, refused to accept black-majority rule.

The Economist

In general, sanctions imposed after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, and reaffirmed in 1991 after the gulf war, cannot be suspended or fully lifted until the Iraqis allow arms inspectors to return.

The New York Times

Wikipedia, for example, says that its page on climate change is "subject to Wikipedia general sanctions", meaning that changes must be vetted in advance by editors who have already gained the trust of their peers.

The Guardian

But since stiffer general sanctions would make the lot of ordinary people even more wretched than it already is, the West's most effective pressure is probably indirect: pressing Zimbabwe's neighbours, above all South Africa, to press Zimbabwe.Quiet diplomacy, which is South Africa's way of dealing with its tragic and dangerous neighbour, can be a euphemism for doing damn all.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Whether or not a sanction is actually imposed, depends not only on the detected infringement, but also on the general sanction policy of the welfare agency.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

But notwithstanding the imperfection of the rule as applied to the relative wealth and contributions of the States, it is evidently the least exceptionable among the practicable rules; and had too recently obtained the general sanction of America, not to have found a ready preference with the Convention.

University of Chicago

While I believe general economic sanctions are harmful for the citizens of Sudan, I believe that strict and specified sanctions on the regime leaders and elements involved in human rights' violations should be provided and implemented, not the opposite".

Huffington Post

The tribunal's ruling does not overturn the inspector general's sanctions, only Mr Santos's decision to apply them.

The Economist

The two M.P.'s said they were not in favor of general trade sanctions, which would further hurt impoverished Zimbabweans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or economic policy, use "general sanctions" to refer to broad restrictions that apply to an entire country or sector, rather than targeted measures against specific individuals or entities.

Common error

Avoid using "general sanctions" when you actually mean targeted sanctions. General sanctions affect an entire economy or sector, while targeted sanctions focus on specific individuals, entities or activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general sanctions" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to broad economic or political penalties imposed on a country or entity, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general sanctions" refers to broad economic or political penalties imposed on a country or entity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. It is important to distinguish "general sanctions" from targeted sanctions, which affect specific individuals or entities. When writing about this topic, be mindful of the potential for confusion and clearly define your terms. Alternatives include "broad sanctions" and "comprehensive sanctions". This will ensure clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad sanctions

Refers to sanctions that cover a wide range of activities or sectors, emphasizing the extensive scope of the restrictions.

comprehensive sanctions

Highlights the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the sanctions.

blanket sanctions

Implies sanctions that apply universally without specific targeting, suggesting a less nuanced approach.

sweeping sanctions

Indicates sanctions that have a wide-ranging and significant impact.

universal sanctions

Suggests sanctions that are applied by a broad consensus or by many international actors.

across-the-board sanctions

Emphasizes that the sanctions apply equally to all relevant parties or sectors.

indiscriminate sanctions

Implies that the sanctions do not differentiate between specific targets, which can have broader unintended consequences.

full sanctions

Highlights that all possible sanctions have been applied, suggesting a maximum level of restriction.

widespread sanctions

Focuses on the extensive reach and impact of the sanctions across various areas or entities.

global sanctions

Indicates sanctions that are imposed and recognized on an international scale, affecting multiple countries.

FAQs

How do "general sanctions" differ from targeted sanctions?

"General sanctions" affect entire economies or sectors, while targeted sanctions focus on specific individuals, entities, or activities. The latter aims to minimize harm to the general population.

What are the potential consequences of imposing "general sanctions"?

"General sanctions" can lead to widespread economic hardship, impacting the general population and potentially causing humanitarian crises. They may also be less effective than targeted measures in achieving specific policy goals.

When might it be appropriate to use "general sanctions" instead of more specific measures?

"General sanctions" might be considered when the target is a pervasive, systemic problem, or when more targeted measures have proven insufficient. However, they should be carefully evaluated due to their potential for broad negative consequences.

What are some alternatives to "general sanctions" that could achieve similar policy goals?

Alternatives include targeted sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and multilateral cooperation. Focusing on specific entities or activities can minimize harm to innocent civilians while still exerting pressure on the targeted regime. See also: "targeted sanctions".