penalize for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "penalize for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is being punished or subjected to a penalty for a specific action or behavior. Example: "The school decided to penalize for cheating on the exam, resulting in a failing grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But the ACT does not penalize for wrong answers.

The New York Times

The 2016 SAT has been redesigned so that it doesn't penalize for incorrect answers.

Harvard Business Review

Rules prohibit deliberate fouling with skates (tripping or "slew-footing"), but there are no rules that penalize for accidental skate injuries.

The New York Times

Very limited research has explicitly discussed the problem of finding the optimum set of clusters in the design and how to penalize for the formation of singleton clusters during clustering.

Information and Software Technology

Wilmott's index of agreement is symmetric, bounded and does not over penalize for disagreement.

Carbon Balance and Management

These institutions create international rules that constrain the sovereignty of states, in some cases, through enforcement mechanisms that penalize for noncompliance.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This regulation is currently blocked by a lawsuit filed by APSCU, but if implemented would penalize for-profit college and trade school programs for consistently leaving students with overwhelming debt.

Huffington Post

Boogaard was penalized for boarding.

The New York Times - Sports

Torres was not penalized for the hit.

The New York Times

Gaborik was penalized for goaltender interference.

The New York Times

Instead Chicago was penalized for holding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "penalize for", ensure the reason for the penalty is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "They will be penalized", specify "They will be penalized for late submissions".

Common error

Avoid using "penalize for" in overly broad or vague contexts. Always specify the exact action or behavior that leads to the penalty, as failing to do so can create confusion and unfair perceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "penalize for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of imposing a penalty or punishment due to a specific action or behavior. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "penalize for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the imposition of a penalty due to a specific action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason for the penalty is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "punish for", "sanction for", and "discipline for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

punish for

This is a direct synonym, indicating the imposition of a penalty or suffering for a wrongdoing.

penalize because of

Specifies that the penalty is a direct consequence of the reason provided.

sanction for

This implies a formal penalty or disapproval, often by an authority.

discipline for

This suggests a corrective measure taken to enforce rules or standards.

reprimand for

This indicates a formal expression of disapproval or censure.

hold accountable for

This highlights the act of making someone responsible for their actions and facing the consequences.

impose a penalty on

Focuses on the action of enforcing a specific penalty.

exact retribution for

Suggests a more severe and often vengeful punishment.

assess a fine for

Specifically refers to imposing a monetary penalty.

censure for

Indicates a formal and public expression of disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "penalize for" in a sentence?

You can use "penalize for" to indicate that someone is being punished for a specific action. For example, "Students who cheat on the exam will be "penalized for" their dishonesty".

What are some alternatives to "penalize for"?

Some alternatives to "penalize for" include "punish for", "sanction for", or "discipline for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "penalize someone for something"?

Yes, the phrase "penalize someone for something" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It clearly indicates that a person is receiving a penalty because of a particular action or behavior.

What is the difference between "penalize for" and "reward for"?

"Penalize for" means to impose a punishment or negative consequence for something, while "reward for" means to give a benefit or positive consequence. They are opposite in meaning and application.