steep penalties

USAGE SUMMARY

"steep penalties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to punishments that are harsh or unusually severe. Example sentence: "They had to pay steep penalties for breaking their contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

She withdrew money from a retirement account, paying steep penalties.

The New York Times

But unlike a true government agency, social media companies face steep penalties for under-enforcement.

Yale University

Mr. Stein and other industry critics would ban the steep penalties for prepaying mortgages.

The New York Times

Steep penalties for drug producers, dealers and users has not budged supply or demand in half a century.

The Guardian

The measure also mandates arbitrarily high performance standards, and imposes steep penalties on manufacturers that cannot meet them.

The New York Times

The United States has warned that American companies that employ North Korean workers at any level could face steep penalties.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Shareholders of many Janus funds paid a steep penalty for the company's misplaced bullishness.

The New York Times

There was a sweet spot for a radio station, but a steep penalty for overshooting it.

The New York Times - Magazine

It had become increasingly clear that there was a steep penalty to pay for having thrown in with Suge Knight.

The New Yorker

You do not have to accept every doomsday projection to see that this would impose a steep penalty on growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Heyward thought the novel "extraordinary," and Harrower agreed to its publication, perhaps figuring that death was a steep penalty for a comprehensive backlist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steep penalties", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific actions or behaviors that trigger these penalties. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "steep penalties" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is more appropriate for formal contexts such as legal, business, or journalistic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep penalties" functions as a noun phrase, where 'steep' modifies 'penalties'. It describes punishments that are considered harsh, excessive, or unexpectedly severe. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep penalties" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe severe or harsh punishments. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and business communications. While the phrase is quite common in "News & Media", its register makes it less suitable for informal conversations. When using "steep penalties", ensure clarity regarding the specific actions that incur these penalties, and consider related phrases like "severe sanctions" or "heavy fines" for alternative ways to convey the intended meaning. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the significance of consequences in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe sanctions

Focuses on formal repercussions, often in legal or political contexts.

heavy fines

Specifies monetary penalties, emphasizing the financial burden.

drastic consequences

Highlights the gravity of outcomes, not necessarily limited to formal punishments.

punitive measures

Emphasizes the intent to punish, applicable in various settings.

major repercussions

Underscores significant effects, broader than just penalties.

tough sanctions

Focuses on strict formal actions taken against someone.

onerous impositions

Highlights the burdensome nature of the penalties.

excessive punishments

Emphasizes the disproportionate nature of the penalties.

stringent deterrents

Focuses on the deterrent effect of strict measures.

harsh repercussions

Highlights the unpleasant and severe nature of the consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "steep penalties" in a sentence?

You can use "steep penalties" to describe severe punishments for specific violations. For instance, "Companies that violate environmental regulations may face "steep penalties"".

What are some alternatives to "steep penalties"?

Alternatives include "severe sanctions", "heavy fines", or "drastic consequences" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "steep penalties" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "steep penalties" is generally better suited for formal or professional contexts. Consider using more casual language like "big consequences" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "steep penalties" and "high penalties"?

While similar, "steep penalties" often implies that the penalties are surprisingly or excessively severe, while "high penalties" simply indicates a large amount or degree of punishment. "Steep" adds an element of unexpectedness or disapproval.