great penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe punishment or consequence for an action or behavior. Example: "The athlete faced a great penalty for violating the league's drug policy, resulting in a lengthy suspension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Goal! Argentina 3-4 UruGreatGreat penalty by Gurgano tucked into the left-hand corner.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a great penalty, both political and personal," for missing that goal, McGurk said.

The Washington Post

From this point of view, learning what's necessary to kick a great penalty shot is a skill that translates.

The New York Times

"You need an elite goalie, mobile defense, three strong centers and two specialists: a great penalty killer and a dominant scorer in shootouts.

The New York Times - Sports

In truth it wasn't a great penalty, blasted almost straight down the middle but low enough so that, even though Illgner had dived to his right, he was able to save it with his feet.

The Guardian - Sport

It's the great penalty of athletic prowess, this strange reworking of the Dorian Gray effect: you give your all to be a flawless physical specimen, and you deploy your gifts in arenas that make typical workplaces seem humdrum beyond words, and then, one day, your perfection is no use to you anymore.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Communities will often share rituals and develop norms over years of history– breaking those norms can often have great penalties.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's something I practise a lot with England with him, and he's a great penalty-taker.

BBC

"Normally Wayne can hit great penalties, but that was a bad one, he knows that".

BBC

Brough himself cited gender research around "gender incongruence" and the great penalties that men (and women) face when they don't fit stereotypical gender norms.

Forbes

"L.A.'s got a great penalty-killing team.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great penalty", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a sporting event or a more general consequence. For clarity, provide specific details about the penalty, such as the reason for its imposition and the resulting impact.

Common error

Avoid using "great penalty" too casually in situations outside of sports or formal legal settings. Overusing the phrase in everyday conversation can sound unnatural. Use alternative phrases like "severe consequence" or "significant repercussion" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great penalty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "great" modifies the noun "penalty". Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing significant punishments or consequences. Examples in Ludwig show it describing a severe outcome, especially in sports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great penalty" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant punishment or consequence. Primarily found in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig, it conveys the severity of a penalty, often in sports or formal contexts. While alternatives like "severe punishment" or "harsh consequence" exist, "great penalty" is suitable when emphasizing the magnitude of the penalty. It's advisable to avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe punishment

Focuses on the strictness and harshness of the penalty.

harsh consequence

Emphasizes the negative outcome resulting from an action or decision.

stiff sanction

Highlights the formal and rigorous nature of the penalty imposed.

punitive measure

Highlights the intent of the penalty is to punish.

significant fine

Highlights the monetary aspect of the penalty, emphasizing its considerable amount.

heavy repercussion

Emphasizes the far-reaching and burdensome effects of the penalty.

major forfeiture

Indicates a substantial loss or surrender as a result of the penalty.

substantial detriment

Focuses on the significant harm or loss caused by the penalty.

serious disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable position resulting from the penalty.

considerable handicap

Emphasizes the hindering effect of the penalty on future performance or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "great penalty" in a sentence?

You can use "great penalty" to describe a severe punishment or consequence, especially in sports contexts. For example, "The team faced a "great penalty" for violating the league's rules."

What's the difference between "great penalty" and "severe punishment"?

"Great penalty" typically refers to a significant consequence, often in sports or formal contexts, whereas "severe punishment" is a broader term applicable to any harsh penalty or consequence.

What can I say instead of "great penalty"?

You can use alternatives like "harsh consequence", "significant fine", or "stiff sanction" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "great penalty"?

It is most appropriate to use "great penalty" in contexts where you are discussing a significant punishment or consequence, particularly in sports, legal, or formal settings. Ensure the severity of the penalty warrants the adjective "great".