small punishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small punishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor consequence or penalty for a wrongdoing or mistake. Example: "The teacher decided to give a small punishment to the student for being late to class, such as a warning instead of detention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He added that it was "right" that Groening may spend his final years in prison and "that is a small punishment for the unspeakable crimes he abetted".

Independent

"Word travels fast on the street about what an easy target the pharmacies are and how much profit can be made and what small punishment is attached," Mr. Satterberg said.

The New York Times

As for Errson, she could face a fine for her protest, should the airline choose to prosecute all told, a relatively small punishment for her cause.

Vice

Sure, he might give you a small punishment just to keep up appearances, but you will be greatly rewarded in the next life, probably with a bunch of virgins.

Huffington Post

Imagine that -- a convicted felon who may still be working for an accounting firm that proclaimed in the public record of my civil suit it hasn't received even one small punishment from DOJ or the FEC.

Huffington Post

However, since individuals have the choice of secrecy, if the probability of getting exposed remains small, punishment may fail to curb EPM.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The ones who had stumbled received small punishments: a few hours of community service, a weekend in jail, a referral to inpatient treatment.

The Economist

Create small "punishments" for lapses.

WikiHow

To the chagrin of purists, many young protesters are not willing to bear even the smallest punishment, say a few hours in jail, for their disobedience.

The New York Times

Doing this will create a "good kid barrier", so if you do ever find yourself in trouble, then you will have a smaller punishment.

WikiHow

German law provides for some criminal cases to be settled with smaller punishments, such as fines, though the size of the payment in the Ecclestone case has led some to question a system that in effect favours rich defendants.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing legal or formal situations, consider using synonyms like "minor penalty" or "light sentence" instead of "small punishment" for a more precise and professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "small punishment" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced terms that accurately reflect the severity and nature of the consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small punishment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "punishment". It describes a penalty or consequence that is not severe. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

27%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small punishment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a mild or insignificant consequence for an action. While Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, it's crucial to consider the context. In formal settings like legal or academic writing, alternatives such as "minor penalty" or "light sentence" might be more appropriate. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. Overall, understanding its nuances helps in choosing the most fitting expression for various communication scenarios. The most authoritative sources where you can find "small punishment" are The New York Times, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor penalty

Replaces "punishment" with "penalty", focusing on the legal or rule-based aspect of the consequence.

light sentence

Specifically refers to a lenient judgment in a legal context.

mild consequence

Emphasizes the gentleness of the outcome resulting from an action.

petty fine

Highlights the insignificance of a monetary penalty.

nominal charge

Suggests a minimal cost or fee as a consequence.

slight reprimand

Focuses on a gentle form of disapproval or scolding.

inconsequential penalty

Highlights that the penalty has little impact.

easy time

Informal way of describing a lenient prison sentence or consequence.

soft sanction

Emphasizes the lack of severity of a rule enforcement measure.

painless consequence

Focuses on the absence of suffering due to the result of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "small punishment" in a sentence?

You can use "small punishment" to describe a minor consequence for a wrongdoing. For example, "The teacher gave a "small punishment", such as extra homework, for being late to class".

What are some alternatives to "small punishment"?

Alternatives include "minor penalty", "light sentence", or "mild consequence", depending on the specific context.

Is "small punishment" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "small punishment" can sound less formal. Consider using "minor penalty" or "light sentence" in academic or professional contexts for a more precise tone.

What is the difference between "small punishment" and "minor penalty"?

"Small punishment" is a general term, while "minor penalty" often implies a formal or legal context. A "minor penalty" suggests an official rule or law is being enforced.