imposed a penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed a penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a punishment or consequence is officially applied due to a violation of rules or laws. Example: "The committee imposed a penalty on the player for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

[C1.] LIABLE IN MUSIC SHARING A federal jury found a Minnesota woman liable for copyright infringement for sharing music online and imposed a penalty of $222,000, a crucial legal victory for record labels.

The New York Times

The cap was criticized by many lawmakers last year when regulators imposed a penalty of $35 million on G.M. after it failed to report for more than a decade a deadly ignition defect.

The New York Times

In a crucial legal victory for record labels and other copyright owners, a federal jury yesterday found a Minnesota woman liable for copyright infringement for sharing music online and imposed a penalty of $222,000 in damages.

The New York Times

In her ruling, Judge Phyllis Gangel-Jacob said Mr. Pataki's May 31 order pulling the vehicle registration for 63 Apple Tours buses raised due process questions, imposed a penalty that could kill the company and hurt the city's tourism industry.

The New York Times

"The F.C.C. failed to acknowledge that its order in this case reflected a policy change and improperly imposed a penalty on CBS for violating a previously unannounced policy," the appeals court said in a 2-to-1 decision written by Judge Marjorie O. Rendell and joined by Judge Julio M. Fuentes.

The New York Times

José Mourinho did not want Courtois to play in the semi-final and a clause in his contract imposed a penalty, understood to be around €6m. Uefa insisted that Chelsea could not prevent him from playing and in the end Courtois was included for both legs, making a stunning save at Stamford Bridge.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The state also imposes a penalty, ranging from $50 to $150.

The New York Times

"I can see budget airlines imposing a penalty if people are late for flights.

Independent

In 2014, the I.R.S. will start imposing a penalty -- though not a tax -- on individuals who do not buy insurance.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"Why would anybody put money into a savings account that offers zero interest and imposes a penalty if you withdraw cash early?" Cohen said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "assessed a fine" or "applied a punishment" to provide variety in your writing and to tailor the phrase to the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "imposed a penalty" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can make your language seem stilted. Opt for simpler terms like "punished" or "fined" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed a penalty" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of enforcing a punishment or sanction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in formal contexts, emphasizing the act of officially applying a consequence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposed a penalty" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express the act of enforcing a punishment or sanction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for formal contexts like news reporting, legal documentation, and business communications. When writing, ensure clarity about who is imposing the penalty and on whom it's being imposed. While widely accepted, avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Administered a consequence

Focuses on the act of managing and applying the result of an action.

Levied a sanction

Replaces "penalty" with "sanction", implying a formal disapproval or coercive measure.

Applied a punishment

Substitutes "penalty" with "punishment", suggesting a more direct and often harsher consequence.

Assessed a fine

Specifically refers to a monetary penalty, narrowing the scope of the consequence.

Issued a charge

Emphasizes the official declaration of the penalty or obligation.

Ordered a forfeiture

Emphasizes that the penalty was formally instructed.

Decreed a punishment

Highlights the authoritative nature of the penalty's pronouncement.

Inflicted a forfeiture

Highlights the loss of something as a consequence.

Handed down a sentence

Typically used in legal contexts, referring to a formal judgment.

Exacted retribution

Implies a more forceful and often vengeful imposition of a penalty.

FAQs

What does "imposed a penalty" mean?

The phrase "imposed a penalty" means to officially enforce a punishment or sanction due to a violation of a rule, law, or agreement. It implies a formal action taken by an authority or governing body.

What are some alternatives to "imposed a penalty"?

Some alternatives to "imposed a penalty" include "assessed a fine", "levied a sanction", or "applied a punishment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "imposed of penalty" instead of "imposed a penalty"?

No, the correct phrasing is "imposed a penalty". The preposition "of" is not used in this context. Using "of" would be grammatically incorrect.

Can "imposed a penalty" be used in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "imposed a penalty" is more suitable for formal or legal contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "fined" or "punished" are generally preferred.