lenient penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lenient penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a punishment or consequence that is not severe or strict. Example: "The judge decided to impose a lenient penalty on the defendant, considering the circumstances of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

His lenient penalty highlights the benefits of cooperating.

The New York Times

Prosecutors had requested a relatively lenient penalty because Mr. Siekaczek cooperated extensively with the investigation, they said on Friday, the final day of the trial.

The New York Times

Outraged at what they viewed a lenient penalty, some residents, including the president of the local N.A.A.C.P. chapter, accused the authorities of letting Ms. Potter off the hook to keep her client list secret.

The New York Times

Winter told the court that the relatively lenient penalty handed to Blockley, whose runners were at the centre of the alleged conspiracy to make money by laying losers on Betfair, was further evidence of bias against McKeown.

The Guardian - Sport

Established in legal practice in the 19th century, rehabilitation was viewed as a humane alternative to retribution and deterrence, though it did not necessarily result in an offender receiving a more lenient penalty than he would have received under a retributive or deterrent philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She considers that, given the nature, seriousness and potential consequences of the contravention arising in this case, that objective would not be adequately served by an unduly lenient penalty".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Others said that agencies instead would favor lenient penalties that do not require judicial review.

The New York Times

DECEMBER 1999 -- The committee hands down relatively lenient penalties against the doctors.

The New York Times

Both of those sentences were overturned after prosecutors protested the lenient penalties and appealed the decisions.

The New York Times

"We need to focus on the people who are shooting people," Mr. Williams said of the newly lenient penalties for marijuana.

The New York Times

These lenient penalties save thousands of young people from being branded with criminal records, and spare taxpayers the expense of arresting, trying and jailing them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where cooperation or remorse is a factor, using "lenient penalty" emphasizes that the punishment was tempered by positive actions of the individual involved.

Common error

Avoid using "lenient penalty" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "light punishment" might be more appropriate depending on the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lenient penalty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lenient" modifies the noun "penalty". It indicates the degree of severity associated with a punishment or consequence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lenient penalty" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted expression used to describe a punishment that is not harsh or severe. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for describing legal, regulatory, or even disciplinary outcomes. The phrase appears most often in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When writing, remember that while "lenient penalty" is widely understood, it might be better suited for more formal settings and replace with alternatives, such as "mild sentence" or "light sentence", in more informal contexts. Consider the audience and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "lenient penalty" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mild sentence

Replaces "penalty" with "sentence", focusing on the judicial aspect of the consequence.

light sentence

Similar to "mild sentence", but with a slightly more informal tone.

reduced fine

Specifies the penalty as a fine and indicates a decrease in its amount.

sympathetic judgment

Shifts focus to the reasoning and emotional consideration behind the penalty.

moderate consequence

Broadens the scope from legal penalties to general outcomes, implying a balanced response.

reasonable sanction

Replaces "penalty" with "sanction", suggesting a more formal or official context.

easy punishment

Uses more colloquial terms to indicate a less severe consequence.

forgiving sentence

Emphasizes the act of pardon or reduced accountability in sentencing.

relaxed penalty

Suggests an easing or reduction in the strictness of the imposed penalty.

merciful ruling

Indicates compassion and leniency in the decision, highlighting the kindness aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "lenient penalty" to describe a punishment that is not severe. For example: "The judge imposed a "lenient penalty" because the defendant cooperated with the investigation."

What's the difference between a "lenient penalty" and a "severe penalty"?

A "lenient penalty" implies a mild or reduced punishment, whereas a "severe penalty" indicates a harsh or strict punishment. The choice depends on the context and the severity of the offense.

What are some synonyms for "lenient penalty"?

Alternatives include "mild sentence", "light sentence", or "reduced fine". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "lenient penalty" formal or informal language?

"Lenient penalty" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for news reports, legal documents, and academic writing. Less formal alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation.