levying a fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "levying a fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to the act of imposing a monetary penalty on someone for a violation or offense. Example: "The court decided on levying a fine against the company for its environmental violations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

UEFA had already sanctioned the club previously, levying a fine and limiting the size of its squad in 2014.

The New York Times - Sports

A summons from the city fluttered on a nearby door, levying a fine for letting too many pieces of paper accumulate in the stairwell.

The New Yorker

Starting in February the police can write tickets, levying a fine of $15 against each front-seat occupant without a belt.

The New York Times

Moreover, although German authorities must obtain a court order before levying a fine for unlawful content, they may avoid this provision by imposing fines for violations of the law's procedural requirements, which do not require judicial oversight.

Yale University

As it has in recent cases involving Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, UBS and others, the agency proposed to settle the case by levying a fine on Citigroup and allowing it to neither admit nor deny the agency's findings.

The New York Times

When New Jersey environmental officials found out, they granted a permit after the fact -- and after levying a fine, taking a land donation and gaining an assurance from Mr. DeMarco that he would not convert any more of his wetlands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Bettman is authorized to levy a fine as high a $1 million for speaking out of turn.

The New York Times

The copyright office rightfully struck down Apple's ability to levy a fine.

The New York Times

The Electoral Commission can levy a fine if it deems the breach of rules sufficiently serious.

The Guardian

They're expected to levy a fine against Google for over $1 billion.

The Washington Post

The judge in the case excoriated the opposing counsel for his remarks, and levied a fine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "levying a fine" in formal and legal contexts to maintain a professional and authoritative tone. In more casual writing, consider alternatives like "imposing a fine" or "assessing a penalty".

Common error

Avoid using "levying a fine" in everyday conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "giving a ticket" or "charging a fee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "levying a fine" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase when used as a noun (e.g., "The risk of levying a fine is high.") or as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "The judge is considering levying a fine."). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "levying a fine" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, predominantly found in formal contexts such as news reports and academic publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the act of imposing a financial penalty. While semantically related alternatives like "imposing a fine" or "assessing a fine" exist, "levying a fine" maintains a distinct sense of authority and officialdom. Therefore, it is most effective in situations requiring a professional and precise tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposing a fine

Uses a more common verb ("imposing") while retaining the core meaning of applying a financial penalty.

assessing a fine

Emphasizes the evaluation or determination of the fine amount.

issuing a fine

Focuses on the act of officially declaring or delivering the fine.

imposing a penalty

Replaces "fine" with a broader term ("penalty") suggesting any kind of punishment.

applying a fine

Suggests the practical implementation of the fine.

assessing a penalty

Similar to assessing a fine, but with a broader scope of punishment.

decreeing a fine

Implies a more formal or authoritative declaration of the fine.

charging a fine

Focuses on the act of billing or demanding payment of the fine.

setting a fine

Emphasizes the act of determining the specific amount of the fine.

slapping a fine

Informal term indicating a quick or perhaps harsh imposition of a fine.

FAQs

How can I use "levying a fine" in a sentence?

You can use "levying a fine" to describe the act of imposing a monetary penalty for a violation. For example, "The city is considering "levying a fine" for littering in public parks".

What are some alternatives to "levying a fine"?

Alternatives include "imposing a fine", "assessing a fine", or "charging a fee" depending on the context.

Is "levying a fine" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "levying a fine" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in legal, regulatory, or official contexts. It conveys a sense of authority and precision.

What is the difference between "levying a fine" and "imposing a fine"?

While both phrases are similar, "levying a fine" often suggests a more formal or official action, whereas "imposing a fine" can be used more broadly. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.