measure of retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "measure of retribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the concept of punishment or compensation for wrongdoing, often in a moral or philosophical context. Example: "The court decided that a measure of retribution was necessary to ensure justice for the victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This feels like a measure of retribution".

The New York Times

The Rangers had 24 shots in the second period, but managed only one goal — a measure of retribution by Avery at 17:26.

The New York Times - Sports

Protesters, who had hoped for a measure of retribution in the form of a public trial of their former leader, looked jealously to Egypt on Monday as that country's former president, Hosni Mubarak, lay flat on a gurney in the corner cage of a Cairo courtroom facing a second day of hearings in his murder and corruption trial.

The New York Times

When agents voluntarily violate their obligations they do wrong and are liable to blame and some measure of retribution.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

All this time they have been making up the full measure of their guilt, and now retribution has overtaken the good of all" (1 Thessalonians 15-16).

Huffington Post

All this time they have been making up the full measure of their guilt, and now retribution has overtaken the good of all.

Huffington Post

Thomas J. Donohue, president of the United States Chamber of Commerce, warned of retribution against senators who support the Thompson-Torricelli measure.

The New York Times

Yet sadly, in Honduras -- as in most countries in the world -- there are no special measures in place to ensure that women defenders can do their work without fear of retribution and violence.

Huffington Post

Fear of retribution remained pervasive.

The New York Times

Each act of violence can spark a cycle of retribution.

The Economist

That war was an act of retribution and prevention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "measure of retribution" when referring to a formal or considered response to wrongdoing, such as in legal or moral contexts. It's less appropriate for spontaneous acts of revenge.

Common error

Avoid using "measure of retribution" when describing acts of pure revenge or uncontrolled anger. Retribution implies a degree of justice or proportionality, whereas revenge often lacks such considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "measure of retribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a specific quantity or degree of deserved punishment or compensation, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "measure of retribution" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a proportional or deserved consequence for wrongdoing. While relatively rare in occurrence, as confirmed by Ludwig, its use is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly within news, legal, or academic discussions. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Alternatives include "just deserts" or "due punishment", depending on the nuance desired. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with proportional consequences, rather than excessive revenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just deserts

Implies that the consequences are deserved and fair.

the price to pay

Emphasizes the cost or consequence of one's actions.

degree of punishment

Emphasizes the severity or extent of the penalization.

retaliatory action

Highlights the reactive nature of the response.

act of vengeance

Focuses on the vengeful aspect, implying a personal desire for revenge.

penalty imposed

Focuses on the act of applying a formal punishment.

sanction applied

Emphasizes the official or authoritative nature of the punishment.

legal repercussions

Specifies that the consequences are related to the legal system.

form of payback

Suggests a more informal and reciprocal response to a perceived wrong.

some comeuppance

Informal term for getting what one deserves, often negative.

FAQs

How can I use "measure of retribution" in a sentence?

You can use "measure of retribution" to describe a fitting consequence or punishment for a wrongdoing. For example, "The court decided that a "measure of retribution" was necessary to ensure justice for the victims."

What phrases are similar to "measure of retribution"?

Similar phrases include "just deserts", "due punishment", or "appropriate consequences", depending on the context.

Is "measure of retribution" the same as "act of revenge"?

No, while both involve responses to wrongdoing, "measure of retribution" implies a sense of justice and proportionality, while "act of revenge" suggests a more personal and often disproportionate response.

What is the difference between "measure of retribution" and "form of punishment"?

"Measure of retribution" suggests a specific amount or degree of punishment that is considered appropriate, while "form of punishment" is a more general term referring to the type of penalty imposed.