severe penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a punishment that is seen as very harsh or severe. For example: "The judge imposed a severe penalty on the criminal for the serious nature of the offense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

As a player, Smith faces a less severe penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

That seems harsh — a more severe penalty, perhaps, than censure.

The New Yorker

As a result, the commission imposed what it regarded as an extremely severe penalty.

The New York Times

If we felt there was intent, there would have been a much more severe penalty".

The New York Times - Sports

Haskins indicated that the severe penalty was due to repeated violations of team rules.

The New York Times - Sports

However, that the publications are fabricated alone mandates a severe penalty by the academia.

The New York Times - Science

The N.C.A.A. said it was issuing a more severe penalty because Mulkey was a repeat offender.

The New York Times - Sports

Others argued for a less severe penalty, but Ms. Thompson held out for more than 40 minutes.

The New York Times

"By settling out of court, passengers can avoid a criminal record and potentially a more severe penalty at court".

The Guardian - Money

"We will continue to have a high threshold before we suspend because it's a severe penalty," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"However, the financial support given by owners is no longer possible in this league without severe penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe penalty", ensure the context clearly establishes the action or inaction that warrants such a significant consequence. This will add clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "severe penalty" when describing minor infractions or situations where the consequences are not truly harsh. Using a more fitting term like "fine" or "warning" will maintain credibility and prevent exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe penalty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" is an adjective modifying the noun "penalty". It describes the nature and intensity of a consequence or punishment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe penalty" is a commonly used phrase to describe a harsh or significant consequence. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in a variety of writing contexts. Its function is to emphasize the seriousness of a punishment, often serving as a deterrent. While the phrase is versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers, aligning well with its frequent appearance in news, academic, and professional sources. While this phrase is deemed very common, remember that it's a subjective term, and depending on the context, you can choose from a list of alternatives, such as "harsh punishment", "stiff fine", or "drastic consequence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh punishment

Replaces "penalty" with "punishment", offering a slightly different connotation of the consequence.

heavy sentence

Commonly used in legal contexts, indicating a lengthy or strict prison term.

drastic consequence

Emphasizes the gravity and far-reaching impact of the penalty.

strict repercussions

Replaces "major" with "strict", highlighting the uncompromising nature of the resulting effects from an action.

major repercussions

Highlights the significant and often negative effects resulting from an action.

stringent consequence

Replaces "drastic" with "stringent", conveying a sense of strictness and rigor.

significant sanction

Offers a more formal or official term for a penalty, often used in legal or regulatory contexts.

stiff fine

Specifically refers to a monetary penalty that is considered substantial.

tough sanction

Replaces "significant" with "tough", indicating a sanction that is difficult to endure or overcome.

serious reprisal

Suggests a retaliatory action that is grave and consequential.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe penalty" to describe harsh consequences for actions. For example, "The company faced a severe penalty for violating environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to using "severe penalty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "harsh punishment", "stiff fine", or "drastic consequence".

When is it appropriate to use "severe penalty" over other similar phrases?

Use "severe penalty" when the consequence is exceptionally harsh or significant. It is more appropriate than a simple "fine" if the implications are far-reaching.

Is "severe penalty" a subjective term?

Yes, the perception of what constitutes a "severe penalty" can be subjective and depends on the specific context, the affected parties, and the prevailing norms or standards.