impose a penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

"impose a penalty" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the act of punishing someone for breaking a rule or law. For example, "The judge imposed a penalty of three months in prison on the defendant for driving without a license."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This doesn't mean that voters don't have the right to impose a penalty on cheaters.

The New York Times

ECB will impose a penalty "haircut" on lower grade bonds, but not sovereign debt.

The Telegraph

To impose a penalty on an act innocent when performed would render the statute an ex post facto law.

Cornell University

Even when the authorities impose a penalty for forest clearances or other violations, very few fines are ever paid.

The Guardian

California Assembly Bill 880 would impose a penalty on large private employers who have non-disabled employees who enroll in Medi-Cal.

University of California, Berkeley

Chief Judge Murray also rejected the enforcement staff's position that she could impose a penalty in an administrative proceeding based on the amount of the respondent's pecuniary gain.

Harvard University

(g) We will impose a penalty in accord with the provisions in § 262.1(c) after we make our final decision and the appellate process is completed, if applicable.

Cornell University

To impose a liability of $25,500 for goods which had certainly by February 20th , 1946 become substantially valueless, seems to us to impose a penalty.

Harvard University

The ombudsman's office would investigate and resolve complaints, and could impose a penalty of up to $200 for knowing violations of state statutes.

The New York Times

He said that United Healthcares push for notification was not motivated by money and that it would be happy if it never had to impose a penalty.

The New York Times - Health

But in order to impose a penalty on any business, the Internal Revenue Service will rely on information that the company itself must supply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about penalties, be specific about who is imposing the penalty, on whom it is being imposed, and the reason for the penalty. Clear context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "penalty" and "punishment" interchangeably. While related, a "penalty" often refers to a specific fine or disadvantage, while "punishment" is a broader term encompassing a wider range of consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose a penalty" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of officially enforcing or applying a punishment or sanction for a violation or infraction. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

38%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impose a penalty" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of officially enforcing or applying a punishment or sanction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context about who is imposing the penalty, on whom it is being imposed, and the reason for the penalty. Be mindful of the subtle differences between "penalty" and "punishment", as they are related but not interchangeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforce a penalty

Focuses on the act of making a penalty effective.

apply a penalty

Emphasizes the action of putting a penalty into effect.

levy a penalty

Implies a formal assessment and imposition of a penalty.

exact a penalty

Highlights the act of demanding and receiving a penalty.

administer a penalty

Suggests a formal process of applying a penalty.

assess a penalty

Focuses on the evaluation and determination of a penalty.

decree a penalty

Suggests a formal or legal order imposing a penalty.

slap a penalty on

A more informal way to say a penalty is quickly or easily applied.

hand down a penalty

Describes a formal judgment or decision to impose a penalty.

mete out a penalty

Emphasizes the dispensing of a penalty, often implying fairness or justice.

FAQs

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

You can use "impose a penalty" to describe the act of officially applying a punishment or sanction. For example, "The court decided to "impose a penalty" on the company for violating environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "impose a penalty"?

Alternatives include "enforce a penalty", "apply a penalty", or "levy a penalty" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "impose a penalty" or "issue a penalty"?

While both are acceptable, "impose a penalty" suggests a more formal and decisive action, while "issue a penalty" might imply a more procedural or administrative process.

Can "impose a penalty" be used in both legal and non-legal contexts?

Yes, "impose a penalty" is appropriate in both legal and non-legal contexts. In legal settings, it refers to official sanctions, while in non-legal contexts, it can refer to consequences for violating rules or agreements.