high penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

"high penalty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a punishment or consequence that is especially harsh or severe. For example: "The judge imposed a high penalty of five years in prison for the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Various

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was shocked to learn that doing so incurred a high penalty.

The Economist

Many on Wall Street do not consider $126m a high penalty.

The Economist

It's a high penalty again, but this time it stays underneath the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's because banks were charging very high penalty fees, very high rates of interest on borrowing and some of these claims go back decades.

The Guardian - Money

It is highly damaging to market confidence when privileged shareholders commit market abuse, and the high penalty reflects the seriousness of his breach".

The Guardian - Business

Expensive forms of credit and high penalty charges which can see low income households get into difficulties are "systemic issues of the current financial system," says the report.

Independent

If this goes against them, the schools could be fined up to 10% of annual turnover.The OFT says it is unlikely to impose such a high penalty.

The Economist

Without these elements coming together you feel a noticeable drop in performance and you can pay a high penalty in terms of lap time".

The New York Times - Sports

Veering from course – that is, straying from the historic returns associated with oil and gas development – will carry a high penalty in terms of shareholder backlash.

The Guardian

However angry I am with Trenton Oldfield, I am angrier still that the Home Office does not accept that six months in jail is a sufficient or even disproportionately high penalty for a politically motivated protest.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Almost three-quarters of that involves municipal notes, many with extra-high penalty rates of interest that must be paid to holders when an auction fails.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "high penalty", ensure that the context clearly defines what the penalty is for, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "high penalty" when a more specific term like "fine", "sanction", or "sentence" would be more accurate and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high penalty" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "high" modifies the noun "penalty". It refers to a severe or significant consequence for an action or inaction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high penalty" is a commonly used phrase to denote a severe consequence or punishment, as validated by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and versatile, context is key: specificity may be preferred in formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, be precise about the nature of the penalty to ensure clarity. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe consequence

Emphasizes the gravity of the outcome.

steep fine

Specifically refers to a large monetary penalty.

harsh punishment

Highlights the severity of the punitive action.

significant repercussion

Focuses on the broad impact and effects.

substantial forfeiture

Indicates a considerable loss or surrender.

onerous sanction

Emphasizes the burdensome nature of the penalty.

heavy cost

Highlights the significant expense or sacrifice involved.

serious detriment

Focuses on the damaging or harmful result.

major disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact on progress or success.

stiff sentence

Specifically relates to a severe judgment in a legal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "high penalty" to describe a severe consequence or punishment for an action. For example: "There is a "high penalty" for missing the tax deadline."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "high penalty"?

Alternatives to "high penalty" include "severe consequence", "steep fine", or "harsh punishment".

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

The term "high penalty" is appropriate when the consequence or punishment is notably severe or significant compared to typical penalties for similar actions.

Is "high penalty" formal or informal language?

"High penalty" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though more specific language may be preferred in formal settings.