pay penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is required to pay a fine or fee as a consequence of an action or violation. Example: "If you fail to submit your tax return on time, you will have to pay a penalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The gender pay gap becomes a significant lifetime pay penalty.

The Guardian - Money

And then there is the motherhood pay penalty.

The Guardian - Business

Such policies tend to reduce the pay penalty for part-time work.

The New York Times

Cancel anytime and pay penalty equal to 2 months of interest.

The New York Times

The pay penalty directly associated with zero-hours work amounted to 6.6% or 93p an hour.

The Guardian

The pay penalty is one of the highest in Europe, according to separate research published by the University of Manchester.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

HUD recommended that NovaStar pay penalties in the case.

The New York Times

pay penalties for violating the provisions of the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then you have to pay penalties and interest.

The New York Times

It agreed to pay penalties of $7 billion, $4 billion of which goes to the Justice Department.

The Economist

They would register, admit their legal violation and pay penalties and back taxes up front.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "pay penalty" when you want to clearly state the act of incurring and settling a fee or fine as a result of non-compliance or a violation. It's straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "pay penalty" interchangeably with phrases like "incur a fine" or "face sanctions" without considering the specific context. "Pay penalty" directly implies the act of settling the fee, while "incur a fine" indicates becoming subject to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay penalty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action of settling a fee or fine, generally due to non-compliance or violation, as shown in examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Huffington Post

5%

BBC

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pay penalty" functions as a noun phrase denoting the act of settling a fee or fine, often as a consequence of non-compliance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The phrase is commonly used in news, scientific, and formal business settings, carrying a neutral register that makes it widely applicable. When writing, remember that "pay penalty" specifically refers to settling a charge, differing from merely "facing" a penalty. Common alternatives include "incur a fine" or "settle a fee", providing similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be penalized

Directly suggests the act of receiving a penalty for an infraction.

incur a fine

Refers to becoming subject to a monetary fine due to a violation or failure to comply.

settle a fee

Implies resolving an outstanding charge or payment.

face sanctions

Indicates being subjected to punitive measures, often in a formal or legal context.

suffer consequences

Highlights experiencing negative repercussions as a result of an action or decision.

bear the cost

Emphasizes the financial burden or expense incurred.

remit payment

Formally describes the act of sending or paying a required amount.

discharge obligation

Indicates fulfilling a duty or requirement, often involving payment.

meet obligations

Focuses on fulfilling necessary duties, which may include financial responsibilities.

clear dues

Suggests settling outstanding membership fees or similar charges.

FAQs

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

You can use "pay penalty" when referring to the act of settling a fine or fee. For example: "If you submit your tax return late, you will have to "pay penalty"."

What are some alternatives to saying "pay penalty"?

Alternatives include "incur a fine", "settle a fee", or "face sanctions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "paid penalty" instead of "pay penalty"?

While "paid penalty" is grammatically correct and indicates that the penalty has been settled, "pay penalty" is more commonly used to describe the action of settling the penalty. You can use "paid penalty" if you want to emphasize the completed action of payment.

What's the difference between "pay penalty" and "face a penalty"?

"Pay penalty" refers specifically to the action of settling a financial charge, while "face a penalty" simply means to be confronted with the possibility or reality of having to pay a fine or other consequence. You can "face a penalty" without necessarily having to "pay penalty" if the penalty is waived.