under penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

"under penalty" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a situation in which someone may face a penalty if they do not follow certain instructions or laws. For example, "Failure to abide by the terms of this agreement could result in a fine under penalty of law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No Smoking in Elevators Under Penalty of Law".

The New York Times

I have so testified under penalty of perjury several times.

The New York Times - Books

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Yale University

The claim must be signed under penalty of perjury by the person making it.

Cornell University

include a certification that, under penalty of law, the compliance report is accurate and complete.

Cornell University

Or had we regressed to biblical law, under penalty for a collective wrongdoing?

The New York Times

The bishop may not be involved with the advocate, under penalty of prosecution, Mr. Romley said.

The New York Times

And, you know, I didn't want to be under penalty of death from Sony and AMC.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Applicants had to declare in writing, under penalty of perjury, whether they were citizens.

The New York Times

Do not, under penalty of eliciting an aggrieved stare, call him a ghostwriter.

The New York Times

Some managers still warn employees not to discuss pay, under penalty of dismissal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under penalty" to clearly indicate that a specific rule or law exists and that violation carries consequences. This is particularly useful in legal, formal, and instructional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "under penalty" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a serious tone and is more appropriate for legal documents, official notices, or formal instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under penalty" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a condition or consequence tied to a specific action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in formal contexts, especially relating to legal or regulatory frameworks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under penalty" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the legal or formal consequences of not complying with a rule or requirement. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, predominantly in news, academic, and legal contexts. It is generally suitable for formal communication, and serves to explicitly warn of the repercussions for non-compliance. Alternatives like "subject to punishment" can be used depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the threat of penalty

Rephrases the original with a slightly different emphasis on the threatening aspect.

under risk of penalty

Slightly alters the phrasing, using 'risk' instead of direct imposition.

punishable by law

Highlights the legal aspect of the punishment, making it more explicit.

subject to punishment

Focuses on the potential for punishment, removing the direct implication of a law or rule.

subject to legal action

Specifies that the penalty involves legal proceedings.

liable to a fine

Specifically indicates financial penalty, narrowing the scope of possible repercussions.

at the risk of sanction

Emphasizes the risk involved, using a more formal term for penalty.

under threat of consequence

Broadens the term to include any type of consequence, not just legal penalties.

on pain of reprisal

Implies a more severe and personal form of retaliation.

facing the repercussions

Focuses on the after-effects, removing the proactive element of a warning.

FAQs

How is the phrase "under penalty" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "under penalty" is generally used to indicate that a specific action or inaction will result in a punishment or legal consequence if a rule or law is not followed. For example, 'Statements must be accurate "under penalty of perjury"'.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "under penalty"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "subject to punishment", "punishable by law", or "at the risk of sanction" as alternatives to "under penalty".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "under penalty"?

The phrase "under penalty" is most appropriate in formal settings, legal documents, official warnings, or any situation where it is important to emphasize that non-compliance will have serious repercussions.

What's the difference between saying "under penalty" and simply stating the consequence directly?

Using "under penalty" explicitly emphasizes the existence of a formal rule or law and the certainty of consequences for breaking it. Stating the consequence directly might be less formal and not necessarily imply a legal or officially enforced rule.