to be sanctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be sanctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is officially approved, authorized, or penalized. Example: "The new policy is set to be sanctioned by the board next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These events have to be sanctioned.

The New York Times - Sports

This must be revised for other changes to be sanctioned.

Independent

"I wanted them to be sanctioned," Mr. Ellis said.

The New York Times

Beitar is widely expected to be sanctioned by Uefa.

The Guardian - Sport

The deal also needs to be sanctioned by British courts.

The New York Times

If you're the first to be sanctioned for an offense, you don't get punished for it.

The New York Times

Even if the inquiry finds that Mr. O'Neill violated regulations, he is unlikely to be sanctioned.

The New York Times

Anyone violating the agreed limits of the stability and growth pact should expect to be sanctioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The staff didn't want to wait around for it to be sanctioned," Kral said.

The Guardian

It is now clear that Canada will refuse to be sanctioned for abandoning its legal obligations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet businesspeople are disappointed by a draft of a broader companies law, which is expected to be sanctioned soon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be sanctioned" in a legal or formal context, consider whether a more precise term like "ratified" or "legitimized" might be more appropriate to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be sanctioned" when the intended meaning is unclear. Specify "authorized" or "penalized" instead to prevent misinterpretation. For example, instead of "The project is to be sanctioned", write "The project is to be authorized" or "The project is to be penalized."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be sanctioned" functions as a passive infinitive, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates that someone or something is the recipient of an action, either receiving approval or facing a penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be sanctioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive infinitive that indicates either approval or penalty, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its meaning is context-dependent, which can sometimes lead to ambiguity, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI. Therefore, clarity can be improved by using more precise alternatives such as "to be authorized" or "to be penalized". The phrase is commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, reflecting its role in formal communication. Ensure the intended meaning is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be authorized

Replaces "sanctioned" with a more general term for permission or approval.

to be approved

Focuses on the aspect of receiving positive endorsement or agreement.

to be penalized

Highlights the aspect of receiving a punishment or penalty for wrongdoing.

to be ratified

Emphasizes formal confirmation or validation, often in a legal or official context.

to be endorsed

Suggests strong support or recommendation, often by a prominent figure or organization.

to be legitimized

Focuses on making something lawful or acceptable.

to face consequences

Shifts the focus to the results of an action, often negative.

to be disciplined

Implies corrective action taken in response to misconduct.

to be condemned

Highlights strong disapproval or censure.

to be censured

Similar to condemned, but often in a more formal or official setting.

FAQs

How is "to be sanctioned" used in a sentence?

The phrase "to be sanctioned" indicates either official approval or the imposition of a penalty. For example, "The deal also needs "to be sanctioned" by British courts", or "He did break the law numerous times by dealing drugs to feed his habit and deserved "to be sanctioned" for that."

What are some alternatives to using "to be sanctioned"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "to be sanctioned" include "to be approved", "to be authorized", "to be penalized", or "to be endorsed". Choose the alternative that best fits the intended meaning.

When does "to be sanctioned" mean something positive versus negative?

"To be sanctioned" can mean both to receive approval or authorization (positive) and to be penalized (negative). The context determines the meaning. For example, "The event needs "to be sanctioned" by the NCAA" implies approval, while "He is likely "to be sanctioned" for his outburst" implies punishment.

Is it better to use "to be sanctioned" or "to be authorized"?

The choice between "to be sanctioned" and "to be authorized" depends on the context. "To be sanctioned" carries a slightly stronger implication of official endorsement or permission, while "to be authorized" is a more general term for granting permission. In cases where there is an ambiguity between approval and punishment the word "sanctioned" should be avoided.