hefty penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

'hefty penalty' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a large or heavy financial penalty that someone (or an organization) must pay when they have done something wrong or broken a law. For example: "The company was charged with a hefty penalty for failing to comply with environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Working off such a hefty penalty was exhausting, he recalled.

The New York Times

The Commerce Department wasn't done with that hefty penalty.

The New York Times

Mr. Cohen has already paid a hefty penalty to securities regulators.

The New York Times

Now, they approve the purchase and tack on a hefty penalty for each transaction.

The New York Times

Littering is a problem and the government wanted to impose a hefty penalty for littering.

The Guardian

The tech giant escaped serious antitrust action in the United States early this year, and in April it dodged a hefty penalty in Europe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Drinks Still Flow There are hefty penalties for anyone caught.

The New York Times

Failure to register is a criminal offence with hefty penalties.

The Guardian

Columbia paid hefty penalties in settling the case, and shareholders saw their investment dwindle.

The New York Times

Should you quit your mortgage, even if this means hefty penalties?

The Guardian - Money

Less time to pay bills (and hefty penalties for being a day late).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or financial matters, use "hefty penalty" to clearly convey the significant financial burden resulting from a violation or infraction.

Common error

Avoid using "hefty penalty" when the consequence isn't primarily financial. For non-monetary repercussions, consider alternatives like "severe consequence" or "harsh punishment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hefty penalty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hefty" modifies the noun "penalty". It describes the magnitude or severity of the penalty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hefty penalty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant financial or legal consequence, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is most frequently used in news and media, formal business settings, and occasionally in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the consequence is primarily financial in nature; otherwise, consider alternatives like "severe consequence" or "harsh punishment". Remember that a "hefty penalty" emphasizes the seriousness and substantial impact of the fine or sanction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantial fine

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect of the penalty.

Severe punishment

Emphasizes the gravity of the punitive measure.

Large sanction

Highlights the official nature and size of the penalty.

Considerable forfeiture

Implies a loss of something valuable as a consequence.

Heavy repercussion

Stresses the negative outcome resulting from an action.

Steep charge

More specific to fees or costs, implying a high amount.

Major levy

Suggests an imposed tax or fee of significant amount.

Significant consequence

Broadens the idea to any important negative result.

Sizeable encumbrance

Encumbrance refers to a claim against a property by another party. Emphasizes the burden or liability imposed.

Imposing assessment

Assessment can mean either evaluation or levy, in this case refers to the imposition of a significant charge or obligation.

FAQs

How is "hefty penalty" used in a sentence?

The phrase "hefty penalty" is used to describe a large or significant fine or punishment. For example, "The company faced a "hefty penalty" for violating environmental regulations."

What are some synonyms for "hefty penalty"?

Alternatives to "hefty penalty" include "substantial fine", "severe punishment", or "large sanction", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "hefty punishment" instead of "hefty penalty"?

While "hefty" generally means large or significant, "hefty penalty" is typically used in contexts involving financial fines or legal repercussions. "Hefty punishment" might be acceptable but less common; consider using "severe punishment" or "harsh punishment".

What distinguishes a "hefty penalty" from a standard penalty?

A "hefty penalty" implies that the fine or sanction is notably large or severe, exceeding what might be considered a typical or standard consequence for the infraction. It emphasizes the significant impact or cost associated with the penalty.