substantial penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a significant punishment or consequence is being discussed, often in legal, financial, or regulatory situations. Example: "The company faced a substantial penalty for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Merrill Lynch announced last August that it paid what it called a substantial penalty.

The New York Times

PIT STOPS MICHAEL WALTRIP's team is facing a substantial penalty after an illegal carburetor was seized during inspections on Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees feared that Posada would get a more substantial penalty, considering that many of baseball's altercations this year have resulted in relatively severe bans.

The New York Times - Sports

At a different vulnerability East-West would have headed for three no-trump, but as it was East thought he could collect a substantial penalty.

The New York Times - Arts

But where the US later settled the case without any substantial penalty for Microsoft, the EC has taken more direct action.

The Guardian - Tech

The Bank of Scotland division of HBOS only escaped a "very substantial penalty" because the taxpayer would have had to foot the bill.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

And in recent years, it has handed out some substantial penalties.

The New York Times

Mr. Mauer noted that this still left "substantial" penalties for the crimes.

The New York Times

If European states choose to snub EU law, the ECJ has the power to levy substantial penalties.

The Guardian

But thanks to the individual mandate, such people will face substantial penalties if they don't buy insurance.

The New Yorker

Kirk Roller, senior vice president of Emulex, said he hoped Mr. Jakob would face substantial penalties if convicted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial penalty", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the punishment. Be specific about what the penalty entails and why it is considered substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial penalty" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "big fine" or "major consequence" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial penalty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "penalty". It describes the severity or magnitude of the penalty being discussed, emphasizing its significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial penalty" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant punishment or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various formal contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, be mindful of its register and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Consider using related phrases like "significant fine" or "severe punishment" depending on the specific context. While it is generally appropriate for formal writing, avoid its use in informal conversations where simpler terms would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant fine

Emphasizes the monetary aspect of the penalty. Is similar, but more focused on the monetary value.

heavy sanction

Implies a more formal or official punishment, often used in legal or political contexts.

severe punishment

Highlights the intensity and harshness of the penalty.

considerable forfeiture

Focuses on the loss of something valuable as a consequence.

large forfeiture

Emphasis on lost asset, benefit, or right as a consequence.

major repercussion

Indicates a significant and often negative consequence resulting from an action or decision.

serious consequence

Highlights the gravity and potential impact of the outcome.

steep fine

Implies that a high cost is associated to the violation.

stiff penalty

More colloquial, suggesting a harsh and inflexible punishment.

stringent repercussions

A more formal phrase indicating strict and impactful consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial penalty" to describe a significant punishment or consequence, such as: "The company faced a substantial penalty for violating safety regulations." or "Failure to comply with the agreement may result in a substantial penalty".

What are some alternatives to "substantial penalty"?

You can use alternatives like "significant fine", "heavy sanction", or "severe punishment" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "substantial penalty"?

It is appropriate to use "substantial penalty" in formal contexts, such as legal documents, news reports, or business communications, where you need to convey that a punishment or consequence is significant and noteworthy.

Is there a difference between "substantial penalty" and "significant penalty"?

While both phrases are similar, "substantial penalty" may imply a greater magnitude or impact compared to "significant penalty". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.