swift punishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swift punishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a punishment that is administered quickly or without delay, often implying a sense of urgency or decisiveness. Example: "The judge emphasized the need for swift punishment to deter future offenses in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mr. Abbott promised swift punishment for any member of his coalition who did so.

The New York Times

When he began to suspect several of his advisers of Calvinist leanings, however, he reacted with harsh and swift punishment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this case in particular, there was a lot of pressure from the media and the people for swift punishment.

The New York Times

He met his deserved and swift punishment for the irreparable pain and suffering he caused on Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

Numerous speakers at the loya jirga today called for swift punishment for government officials who demand bribes.

The New York Times

But national security officials from both the Bush and Obama administrations say such a ban would create major obstacles to swift punishment of terrorism suspects.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Failure to cooperate brought swift punishments, like 50 push-ups, or dining hall assignments.

The New York Times

However, don't expect swift punishments by colleges if the suspects are caught and prosecuted.

Huffington Post

This month, the Vatican published a letter from 1988 that it said showed that Benedict, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office in charge of handling abuse, had sought ways for swifter punishment for errant priests.

The New York Times

The drug business, dependent on a well-established witness-suppression program, operates a far more powerful system of deterrence, with far swifter punishment, than any lawful state could ever devise.

The New Yorker

Baseball doled out swifter punishment: the teens who signed with the Sox became free agents and were allowed to keep the bonuses, while Boston were banned from signing an international player until July of 2017.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swift punishment", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes 'swift' in that particular situation. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid advocating for "swift punishment" without considering due process or fairness. Speed should not compromise justice. Always consider the ethical implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swift punishment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "swift" modifies the noun "punishment". It describes the quality of the punishment being administered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "swift punishment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression referring to the prompt application of a penalty or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It appears frequently in contexts related to news and media, encyclopedias, and science, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. While it signifies immediacy, it's essential to consider fairness and due process when advocating for it. Alternatives include "immediate repercussions" and "prompt penalty". The phrase serves to underscore the importance of timely justice and deterrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt penalty

Emphasizes the immediacy of the penalty imposed.

immediate repercussions

Focuses on the direct and quick consequences of an action.

rapid penalization

Highlights the speed at which the penalizing action occurs.

expeditious correction

Indicates a quick and efficient process of correcting a wrong.

instant consequence

Stresses the instantaneous nature of the result following an action.

speedy justice

Implies that justice is served quickly after a wrongdoing.

hasty retribution

Suggests a quick and possibly impulsive act of revenge or payback.

accelerated discipline

Highlights the fast application of disciplinary measures.

quick reprisal

Focuses on a fast and retaliatory response.

fast sanction

Emphasizes the rapid imposition of a sanction or penalty.

FAQs

How to use "swift punishment" in a sentence?

You can use "swift punishment" to describe situations where a penalty is applied quickly after an offense. For example, "The company promised "swift punishment" for any employee found to be engaging in insider trading."

What can I say instead of "swift punishment"?

You can use alternatives like "immediate repercussions", "prompt penalty", or "speedy justice" depending on the context.

Is "swift punishment" a biased term?

The term "swift punishment" can be perceived as biased if it implies a lack of due process or fairness. It's important to ensure that the application of punishment is both swift and just.

What's the difference between "swift punishment" and "harsh punishment"?

"Swift punishment" refers to the speed at which a penalty is applied, while "harsh punishment" refers to the severity of the penalty. A punishment can be swift but not harsh, or vice versa.