significant penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a serious consequence or punishment is being discussed, often in legal, financial, or regulatory situations. Example: "Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a significant penalty imposed by the governing body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Nonetheless, the bank is expected to pay a significant penalty.

The New York Times

But it is still considered a significant penalty.

The New York Times

ATI's payment "constitutes a significant penalty for the acknowledged misconduct," the commission said.

The New York Times

Dr. French says he was surprised to see a "marginally significant" penalty for above-average attractiveness.

The New York Times

Healthy banks in countries with unhealthy finances now pay a significant penalty when raising funds.

The Economist

Wal-Mart's new health offerings will require many employees who smoke to pay a significant penalty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The F.D.A. imposes significant penalties for selling underweight packages.

The New York Times - Health

"If you go beyond that, you are likely to be hit with significant penalties".

The New York Times

Significant penalties apply for making a false declaration on an electoral enrolment application, the electoral commissioner, Tom Rogers, said on Thursday.

The Guardian

The F.E.C. has considered a number of complex and important issues in recent years that have yielded consensus decisions with significant penalties when campaign finance laws were violated.

The New York Times

The ICO said it is poised to impose "significant penalties" on two other firms and is investigating another 10 for cold-calling and sending spam text messages.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or regulatory matters, using "significant penalty" is appropriate to convey the seriousness of non-compliance or violation. Be sure to quantify the penalty or describe its impact for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "significant penalty" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "big consequence" or "major problem" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant penalty" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "penalty". It denotes a considerable or noteworthy punishment or consequence. Ludwig examples show it used in legal, financial, and regulatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant penalty" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a serious punishment or consequence. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While appropriate for formal and professional writing, it should be used sparingly in informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and suggests alternatives like "substantial fine" or "serious consequence" for nuanced contexts. Avoid overuse in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial fine

Emphasizes the financial aspect of the penalty, implying a large sum of money.

serious consequence

Focuses on the outcome or result of an action, highlighting its gravity.

harsh punishment

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the penalty.

severe repercussion

Implies a far-reaching and negative impact resulting from a specific action.

considerable sanction

Suggests an official or formal disapproval and associated penalty.

heavy cost

Focuses on the burden or expense associated with a particular action or choice.

major disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact or handicap resulting from a situation.

steep price

Emphasizes the high cost or sacrifice required to achieve something or avoid a negative outcome.

notable detriment

Highlights the harm or damage caused by a particular action or situation.

marked downside

Points out the negative aspect or potential problem associated with a decision or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant penalty" to describe a serious punishment or consequence, such as "Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a "significant penalty".

What are some alternatives to "significant penalty"?

Alternatives include "substantial fine", "serious consequence", or "harsh punishment", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "significant penalty"?

It's appropriate in formal or professional contexts, particularly when discussing legal, financial, or regulatory matters. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

What's the difference between "significant penalty" and "minor penalty"?

"Significant penalty" implies a severe or substantial consequence, while "minor penalty" suggests a less serious or trivial consequence. The choice depends on the severity of the situation.