heavy sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

'heavy sentence' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is often used to describe a sentence which contains a lot of complex information, or that makes a particularly important statement. For example, "The prosecutor delivered a heavy sentence of 15 years in prison for the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The heavy sentence prompted international outrage.

The New Yorker

Mr Bo is expected to be given a heavy sentence within the next few days.

The Economist

Devastation is a heavy sentence for a crime some way short of cataclysmic.

Independent

A heavy sentence, analysts said, would give the two Americans more weight as bargaining chips.

The New York Times

"I am afraid that Miss Cavell will get a heavy sentence.

The Guardian

And a federal judge responded with a heavy sentence required by Congress: 10 years in prison.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Other leaks of classified information have led to heavy sentences.

The Guardian

The most important prisoners -- the "ringleaders" -- will get heavy sentences.

The New York Times

It provided for increasingly heavy sentences to repetitive felons.

Britannica

PUNISH MUTINY LEADERS.; Heavy Sentences Inflicted on Eight Spanish Soldiers.

The New York Times

Some hardliners within Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front FPII) party received heavy sentences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy sentence", consider the specific context. Ensure that the severity of the sentence aligns with the crime and the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy sentence" to describe punishments for minor offenses. This can create a sense of hyperbole and undermine the credibility of your writing. Reserve this phrase for genuinely severe penalties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy sentence" functions as a noun phrase, where "heavy" modifies the noun "sentence". It typically acts as the object of a verb, such as 'receive', 'impose', or 'face'. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and the examples provide varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy sentence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a severe punishment, especially in legal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it's often found in news reports and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the severity aligns with the offense. While alternatives exist, such as "severe punishment" or "harsh penalty", "heavy sentence" effectively communicates the gravity of the judicial outcome. Be mindful to avoid overusing it for minor offenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe punishment

Replaces "sentence" with a broader term for punitive measures and "heavy" with "severe", indicating a high degree of strictness or harshness.

harsh penalty

Substitutes "sentence" with "penalty", focusing on the consequence of an action, and "heavy" with "harsh", suggesting a severe and unforgiving nature.

stiff sentence

Uses "stiff" in place of "heavy", conveying a sense of rigidity and severity in the imposed punishment.

long prison term

Specifically refers to imprisonment, replacing "sentence" with "prison term" and implying the length of the incarceration with "long".

lengthy incarceration

Emphasizes the duration of imprisonment using "lengthy" and replaces "sentence" with the more formal "incarceration".

substantial fine

Shifts the focus to monetary penalties, using "fine" instead of "sentence" and describing it as "substantial", indicating a large amount of money.

draconian measure

Implies an extremely severe or cruel law or penalty, moving away from the specific term "sentence".

punitive sanction

Replaces both "heavy" and "sentence" with more formal and general terms, "punitive" and "sanction", respectively.

onerous judgment

Uses "onerous" to describe the burden of the judgment, differing in focus from the weight or severity implied by "heavy".

stringent consequence

Replaces "sentence" with "consequence", broadening the term to include any result of an action, and using "stringent" to indicate strictness.

FAQs

How to use "heavy sentence" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy sentence" to describe a severe punishment given by a court. For example, "The defendant received a "heavy sentence" for his crimes."

What can I say instead of "heavy sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "severe punishment", "harsh penalty", or "stiff sentence depending on the context.

Which is correct, "heavy sentence" or "hefty sentence"?

Both "heavy sentence" and "hefty sentence" are correct, although "heavy sentence" is more common in formal contexts. "Hefty sentence" might be used more colloquially.

What's the difference between "heavy sentence" and "long prison term"?

"Heavy sentence" is a more general term referring to the severity of the punishment, while "long prison term" specifically indicates a lengthy period of imprisonment.