possible sanction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible sanction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential penalties or consequences that may arise from a particular action or decision. Example: "The committee is considering a possible sanction for the violation of the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The club named after Tito's anti-Nazi resistance movement now waits for a possible sanction from Uefa on 3 October.

The Guardian - Sport

On Sunday the car and its driver were thrown off the race, which was the minimum possible sanction.

The Guardian - Sport

The gesture could be judged to violate the dress code for the game, but Deng was relaxed over any possible sanction.

Independent

While Ball said he would like to see Hamilton fight a possible sanction, Hamilton and his lawyer, Chris Manderson, said Hamilton would not contest one.

The New York Times - Sports

They requested the Embassy to compile a list of Xinjiang officials responsible for the arbitrary detentions and abuse, for possible sanction under the Global Magnitsky Act.

The Washington Post

Speaking in London, Ghobash said expulsion of Qatar from the Gulf Cooperation Council – often raised as a possible sanction – was not the only sanction available.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Possible sanctions include dismissal.

The New York Times

Other conditions or possible sanctions are unknown.

The Guardian

And that dilutes the possible sanctions even further.

The New York Times

The five commissioners had yet to vote on possible sanctions.

The New York Times - Tech

The EU will reconvene Thursday to discuss possible sanctions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal agreements or legal frameworks, use "possible sanction" to maintain a professional and precise tone. It clearly indicates a potential consequence without implying certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "sanction" to mean approval or endorsement. "Sanction" primarily refers to a penalty or coercive measure. Instead, use words like "endorsement", "approval", or "ratification" when indicating support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible sanction" functions as a noun phrase where "possible" modifies the noun "sanction". It identifies a penalty or coercive measure that is not yet certain but remains a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible sanction" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a potential penalty or consequence. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various formal contexts, predominantly in news and media, and formal business environments. When using "possible sanction", ensure you're accurately conveying the potential for punitive measures, and avoid misinterpreting "sanction" as a form of approval. Alternatives like "potential penalty" or "likely consequence" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential penalty

Replaces "sanction" with "penalty", focusing on the punitive aspect.

likely consequence

Shifts focus to the result of an action, rather than a formal punishment.

potential repercussion

Emphasizes the indirect or far-reaching effects of an action.

projected punishment

Highlights the anticipated or predicted nature of the sanction.

conceivable consequence

Focuses on the plausibility of a sanction occurring.

anticipated penalty

Stresses the expectation that a penalty will be applied.

threatened sanction

Highlights the warning aspect of a potential sanction.

imminent penalty

Suggests a sanction is likely to happen very soon.

expected consequence

Focuses on the high probability of a certain consequence.

liable sanction

Indicates a legal responsibility or likelihood of a sanction being imposed.

FAQs

How can I use "possible sanction" in a sentence?

"Possible sanction" is typically used to describe potential penalties or consequences that may result from a specific action. For example: "The committee is considering a "possible sanction" for the violation of the rules."

What can I say instead of "possible sanction"?

You can use alternatives like "potential penalty", "likely consequence", or "potential repercussion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "possible sanction" or "potential sanction"?

Both "possible sanction" and "potential sanction" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "possible sanction" and "threatened sanction"?

"Possible sanction" refers to a penalty that could be imposed, while "threatened sanction" indicates that a warning about a potential penalty has been issued. The latter implies a more direct communication of the potential consequence.