large penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a significant or substantial punishment or fine is being discussed, often in legal, financial, or regulatory situations. Example: "The company faced a large penalty for violating environmental regulations, which significantly impacted its finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"In the lexicon of what we're doing, this is a very, very large penalty".

The New York Times

Such a large penalty would have rivaled any ever paid by a securities firm.

The New York Times

He urged the judge to deter future violators by imposing a large penalty.

The New York Times

I said it was, but withdrawing it before she turned 59 and six months would incur a large penalty.

The Economist

The redoubling side is hoping for a large penalty, and the opposition must maneuver deftly to avoid suffering that fate.

The New York Times - Arts

A pass would clearly have led to a large penalty, which as it happens would have been 800, and five diamonds seemed doomed to defeat.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Tyco said it still risked large penalties in the investigations.

The New York Times

If detected, undervaluing large gifts to one's children could provoke large penalties from the I.R.S.

The New York Times

She could cancel the deal altogether, provided she won't be landed with large penalties.

The Guardian - Money

That means, wrote Jaret Seiberg, an analyst with MF Global, that they "need not worry that miscalculating customer demand would result in large penalties".

The New York Times

Even officials at the Justice Department were skeptical about the prospect of levying large penalties, according to people briefed on the matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "large penalty", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'large' in the specific situation. Quantify the penalty whenever possible (e.g., "a $1 million penalty") to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid pairing "large penalty" with other vague quantifiers like "significant impact" without providing specific details. This can weaken the statement. Always provide concrete information to support the claim of a substantial penalty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large penalty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "large" modifies the noun "penalty". It serves to describe the magnitude or severity of a punishment or fine, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "large penalty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant punishment or fine. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific fields. To maximize its impact, quantify the penalty and avoid vague language. Consider alternatives like "substantial fine" or "significant sanction" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding these guidelines will ensure clear and effective communication when discussing penalties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stiff penalty

Uses an alternate adjective to define the kind of "penalty".

heavy fine

Uses a different adjective to describe the intensity of the fine.

substantial fine

Replaces 'penalty' with 'fine', emphasizing the monetary aspect of the punishment and altering the intensity.

steep cost

Highlights the financial burden associated with the penalty.

significant sanction

Substitutes both 'large' and 'penalty' with synonyms indicating severity and consequence.

extreme consequence

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the action.

severe punishment

Replaces "penalty" with "punishment", changing the context to potential imprisonment.

punitive measure

Focuses on the action taken to inflict the penalty.

considerable forfeiture

Emphasizes loss of property or rights as the consequence.

major repercussions

Focuses on the wider consequences rather than the immediate punishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "large penalty" to describe a significant punishment or fine. For example, "The company faced a "large penalty" for violating safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "large penalty"?

Alternatives include "substantial fine", "significant sanction", or "heavy fine", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "large penalty" or "significant penalty"?

Both "large penalty" and "significant penalty" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Large" emphasizes size, while "significant" emphasizes importance or impact.

What kind of violations usually incur a "large penalty"?

Violations that cause significant harm, involve substantial financial gain, or demonstrate a blatant disregard for regulations often incur a "large penalty". Examples include environmental violations, financial fraud, and safety breaches.