stiff sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

"stiff sentence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a severe or harsh punishment, particularly in a legal or judicial context. For example: - The judge handed down a stiff sentence to the defendant, who had been convicted of multiple counts of fraud and embezzlement. - The prosecutor argued for a stiff sentence for the accused murderer, citing the brutality of the crime and the need for justice for the victim's family. - The new laws call for stiff sentences for those convicted of drug trafficking, with a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. - Despite pleading for leniency, the defendant received a stiff sentence for her involvement in the high-profile corporate scandal. - The court is known for its strict enforcement and stiff sentences for even minor offenses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This was a stiff sentence.

The New York Times

Yes, it's a stiff sentence.

Independent

For that there would be a very stiff sentence.

The New Yorker

The stiff sentence was hailed by state regulators and animal rescue groups alike.

The New York Times

In a less fashionable venue, it might face a stiff sentence.

The New York Times

And he said that he was heartened by the stiff sentence Corporal Bergen received.

The New York Times

Seven cases went to trial, each ending in a stiff sentence.

The New York Times

Williams had downloaded child porn on his computer and could have expected a stiff sentence.

The Guardian

The general counsel of Morgan Stanley had sent a letter urging the opposite — a particularly stiff sentence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many of these stiff sentences struck us as egregious.

The New York Times

Some stiff sentences have already been handed down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a court ruling, use "stiff sentence" to convey the idea that the punishment was notably severe, often stricter than what might be typically expected for the crime.

Common error

Avoid using "stiff sentence" in contexts where you simply mean 'strict' or 'firm'. The phrase specifically implies severity in a punitive or judicial setting, not just general discipline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stiff sentence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "stiff" modifies the noun "sentence". It describes the nature or quality of the sentence, specifically indicating its severity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stiff sentence" is a commonly used phrase that describes a severe or harsh punishment, particularly in a legal context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, as evidenced by numerous examples from news and media sources. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, where "stiff" modifies "sentence" to indicate its severity. While semantically similar alternatives like "tough sentence" and "severe sentence" exist, "stiff sentence" carries its own distinct connotation. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a notably strict or severe punitive measure. The phrase is commonly found in news and formal contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough sentence

Emphasizes the difficulty and severity of the sentence.

severe sentence

Highlights the extremity and harshness of the sentence.

harsh sentence

Focuses on the unpleasant and often unfair nature of the sentence.

stringent sentence

Highlights the strictness and demanding nature of the sentence.

heavy sentence

Implies a significant and burdensome punishment.

exemplary sentence

Suggests the sentence is intended to serve as a warning to others.

draconian sentence

Implies excessive severity, often considered unjust.

punitive sentence

Emphasizes the sentence's aim to punish the offender.

capital punishment

Refers to the death penalty, the most extreme form of punishment.

life imprisonment

Indicates a sentence to prison for the remainder of one's life.

FAQs

What does "stiff sentence" mean?

A "stiff sentence" refers to a severe or harsh penalty imposed by a court or other authority, typically involving a longer prison term or a substantial fine.

What can I say instead of "stiff sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "tough sentence", "severe sentence", or "harsh sentence" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "stiff sentence"?

It's appropriate to use "stiff sentence" when you want to emphasize that a punishment is notably strict or severe, especially in comparison to typical sentences for similar crimes.

How does a "stiff sentence" differ from a typical sentence?

A "stiff sentence" implies a punishment that goes beyond the standard or expected penalty for a particular crime, indicating a more rigorous application of the law.