harsh penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

"harsh penalty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a severe punishment or consequence for a wrongdoing or violation. For example: - "The thief was given a harsh penalty of 10 years in prison." - "Cheating on the exam resulted in a harsh penalty of expulsion from the university." - "The new government implemented harsh penalties for corruption in order to deter future offenders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He imposed an unusually harsh penalty.

The New York Times

"That's a pretty harsh penalty for a good, solid shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps she, too, hesitated to speak lest you face a harsh penalty.

The New York Times - Magazine

decimated the program, and the N.C.A.A. has refrained from handing out such a harsh penalty since.

The New York Times

If you can get your money out without a harsh penalty, there are alternatives.

Independent

I'm mad, but I'm reluctant to turn her in lest she face a harsh penalty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Failure to do so carries harsh penalties.

The New York Times

The first concerned harsh penalties imposed on juvenile offenders.

The New York Times

Those that did not would face harsh penalties, including prison.

The Economist

Connecticut also has harsh penalties for plundering stone walls.

The New York Times

Harsh penalties in international economic agreements are rarely effective: remember Europe's Stability and Growth Pact?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harsh penalty", ensure the severity of the penalty is justified by the offense. Avoid using it for minor infractions to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh penalty" when describing subjective experiences or personal preferences. It is best suited for objective evaluations of consequences tied to specific rules or laws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh penalty" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a severe consequence or punishment imposed for a wrongdoing or violation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harsh penalty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a severe punishment or consequence, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news and media, highlighting situations where penalties are considered excessive or disproportionate. Alternatives include "severe punishment" and "stiff sentence", depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure that the severity of the "harsh penalty" is justified and aligns with the offense to maintain credibility. Avoid applying it to subjective experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe punishment

Focuses on the intensity of the consequence rather than the specific context of a "penalty".

stiff sentence

Implies a formal judgment, often in a legal setting, related to the length of the sentencing.

strict punishment

Highlights the rigid enforcement of rules leading to the consequence.

heavy fine

Specifies a financial penalty, shifting the focus from general consequences.

draconian measure

Emphasizes the severity and often perceived unfairness of the action or rule.

extreme sanction

Conveys a sense of outrage, often in situations where one disagrees with the punishment. The level of formality is also different.

major consequence

Focuses on the significant impact of an action, diluting the sense of "penalty".

tough repercussion

Highlights the adversity of an action or event, diluting the sense of "penalty".

punitive damages

Specifies financial compensation intended to punish the defendant, often used in civil cases.

onerous charge

Focuses on the burdensome aspect of a penalty or fee, shifting the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh penalty" to describe severe consequences for actions, such as "The company faced a "harsh penalty" for violating environmental regulations" or "The athlete received a "harsh penalty" for doping violations".

What are some alternatives to saying "harsh penalty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "severe punishment", "stiff sentence", or "strict punishment".

When is it appropriate to use the term "harsh penalty"?

It is appropriate when describing a consequence that is significantly more severe than what is typically expected or considered fair for a particular offense. The term carries a connotation of disproportionality.

Is "harsh penalty" always a negative term?

Yes, "harsh penalty" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the punishment is excessive or unfair. However, it can also be used neutrally to describe a severe consequence without necessarily implying judgment.