retribution for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retribution for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing punishment or consequences that are intended to be a response to a wrongdoing or offense. Example: "The community demanded retribution for the harm caused by the reckless driver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He believes his term was retribution for his campaigning.

The Economist

Jordan has promised swift retribution for the murder.

Independent

Is the epidemic divine retribution for Agua's alchemy?

The New York Times - Books

In fact, Abraham has been exacting his retribution for over a year now.

The New Yorker

The blasts are believed to be retribution for Hezbollah's opposition to Isis in Syria.

Independent

May retribution for them, and freedom for their captives, follow swiftly in 2012.

The Economist

Mr. Ai took the move to be retribution for rankling the authorities.

The New York Times

Some labor leaders contended the move was retribution for the ballot measure.

The New York Times

He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution for violating those orders.

The New York Times

The threat to his life is apparent retribution for a change of heart.

The New York Times

Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retribution for" when you want to emphasize the idea of a deserved punishment or consequence for a specific action. It often carries a stronger emotional weight than simply saying "punishment".

Common error

Avoid using "retribution for" when you mean simple revenge. "Retribution" implies a sense of justice or deserved consequence, while "revenge" is often driven by personal feelings of anger or spite. Consider whether the action is perceived as just or merely retaliatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retribution for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retribution for" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is a consequence of a previous wrongdoing, conveying a sense of deserved punishment. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, though its register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether "retribution" accurately reflects the situation, or if a term like "revenge" is more appropriate. Alternatives include "punishment for", "vengeance for", and "reprisal for", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

punishment for

A more general term for consequences of wrongdoing.

vengeance for

Implies a more personal and emotional motivation for the reaction.

retaliation for

Focuses on the act of returning an action in kind.

reprisal for

Suggests a retaliatory action, often in a political or military context.

payback for

An informal term for getting even.

requital for

A more formal and less common term for returning a favor or injury.

atonement for

Highlights making amends for a wrong doing.

recompense for

Suggests making restitution or compensation.

consequences of

A broader term encompassing all outcomes, not necessarily negative.

amends for

Focuses on repairing damage or harm caused.

FAQs

How is "retribution for" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "retribution for" usually follows a noun or pronoun indicating the recipient of the action, and is followed by the offense that caused it. For example, "The attack was in retribution for Kenya's military action."

What are some alternatives to using "retribution for"?

You can use alternatives like "punishment for", "vengeance for", or "reprisal for" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "retribution for" and "revenge for"?

"Retribution for" implies a sense of justice or deserved consequences, whereas "revenge for" suggests a more personal, emotional, and often less justified reaction. Consider the motivation behind the action to choose the most appropriate phrase.

What kind of situations is the phrase "retribution for" best suited for?

The phrase "retribution for" is best suited for describing situations where there is a perceived sense of justice or deserved consequences following a wrongdoing, often in contexts of crime, war, or betrayal.