under penalty of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under penalty of' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to indicate that someone who fails to meet certain requirements or abide by certain rules could face some kind of punishment. For example, "Any persons caught attempting to remove items from the premises will be removed and charged with trespassing under penalty of law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

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

So I wasn't compelled, under penalty of perjury, to answer in the affirmative.

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

When Al put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance, his original ball was deemed lost.

The New York Times

"We require that people sign a declaration under penalty of perjury that the information they are submitting is true.

The New York Times

I will never wear them under penalty of death, but they are too nice to throw out.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal writing, use "under penalty of" to add weight and seriousness to a prohibition or requirement.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader automatically knows what the penalty entails. Always explicitly state the penalty (e.g., "under penalty of law", "under penalty of fine") rather than leaving it implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under penalty of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a condition or consequence associated with an action. It signifies that failure to comply with a specified requirement will result in a stated punishment. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under penalty of" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the serious consequences of not complying with a rule or law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in legal, formal, and news contexts. While versatile, it's important to clearly state the specific penalty involved to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "subject to punishment for" or "on pain of" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively convey the importance of adherence to regulations. Its high frequency and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on pain of

Similar in meaning, this phrase often implies a more severe or physical consequence.

subject to punishment for

This alternative directly states the liability for punishment if a rule is broken.

punishable by

This explicitly states that a specific penalty can be legally imposed.

liable to a penalty of

This option focuses on the legal responsibility for a specific penalty.

under threat of

Highlights the imminence of a potential negative consequence.

at the risk of

This phrase highlights the potential danger or negative outcome associated with an action.

with the threat of

This alternative emphasizes the menacing aspect of the potential penalty.

or face the consequences of

This emphasizes the direct link between an action and its repercussions.

subject to

This is a general term indicating susceptibility to a particular outcome or condition.

under force of

This alternative stresses the power or authority behind the penalty

FAQs

How can I use "under penalty of" in a sentence?

Use "under penalty of" to indicate a consequence for failing to comply with a rule or requirement. For instance, "Applicants must declare their income accurately "under penalty of perjury"".

What is a more formal alternative to "under penalty of"?

A formal alternative is "subject to punishment for". For example, "Any unauthorized access is "subject to punishment for" violation of federal law".

Is it correct to say "under the penalty of"?

The correct phrase is "under penalty of", not "under the penalty of". The former is the established and grammatically sound expression.

What's the difference between "under penalty of" and "under threat of"?

"Under penalty of" specifies a formal punishment for non-compliance, while "under threat of" simply indicates a potential negative consequence, which may not be legally enforced.