vast penalty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast penalty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe punishment or consequence for an action or behavior. Example: "The company faced a vast penalty for violating environmental regulations, which impacted its financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And yet, for all that the vast penalty, the constraint on operation the settlement will surely be faulted for lacking one element in particular: a single charge against an individual.The bank's executives were not entirely left untouched.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

THE scene was familiar: regulators meting out vast penalties to banks, scathing statements about gross misconduct, yet no individuals charged with any crimes and some confusion as to what exactly the banks were admitting to and what effect that would have.

The Economist

A quarter-century after the Supreme Court allowed reinstatement of the death penalty, vast numbers of people, including elected officials, are expressing doubt about how it is administered.

The New York Times

The new law, the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, narrowed the vast gap between penalties for crimes involving crack and powder cocaine, a development many judges welcomed.

The New York Times

Eclipsed by the spill's uncertain environmental impact is the other fallout: the vast sums in penalties and fines BP will have to pay to the federal government.

The New York Times

Whatever it is called, its vast array of penalties kicks in automatically with a conviction, defying the supposedly bedrock principle of American law that the punishment must fit the crime.

The New Yorker

In fact, numerous studies have reported the same failure in the vast majority of death penalty states.

The New York Times

This measure would require states to preserve biological evidence that can be used in post-conviction appeals, make DNA testing available to all inmates and provide competent lawyers for indigent defendants accused of capital crimes -- mandating improvements where the vast majority of death penalty states are shamefully deficient.

The New York Times

According to the Human Rights Watch report on mental retardation and the death penalty, the vast majority of people in the United States have IQs between 80 and 120, with an IQ of 100 considered average.

Huffington Post

Indeed, there is a higher percentage of blacks on federal death row than in the vast majority of death-penalty states, including Texas and Alabama.

The New York Times

Under threat of severe penalties, the vast majority of North Korea's 22 million people are not allowed any contact with the outside world -- letters, telephone calls, travel, radio or television programs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast penalty" when emphasizing the considerable size or impact of the punishment or fine. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and contexts where the severity of the penalty is a key point.

Common error

Avoid using "vast penalty" for minor infractions. "Vast" implies a large scale or degree, so it's best suited for situations where the penalty is genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast penalty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a punishment or fine that is exceptionally large or significant. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing substantial repercussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast penalty" is a noun phrase used to describe a punishment or fine that is exceptionally large or significant. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the penalty is indeed substantial to accurately convey the intended meaning. Alternatives include "severe punishment", "heavy fine", and "steep consequence". While it is not as common as other similar phrases, "vast penalty" effectively emphasizes the magnitude and severity of the repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Severe punishment

Emphasizes the harshness and rigor of the penalty.

Heavy fine

Focuses specifically on a monetary penalty that is substantial.

Steep consequence

Highlights the significant repercussions resulting from an action.

Substantial sanction

Indicates an authoritative penalty that carries significant weight.

Considerable forfeiture

Stresses the loss incurred as a result of the penalty.

Major repercussion

Emphasizes the widespread impact of the consequences.

Significant detriment

Highlights the harm or disadvantage caused by the penalty.

Extensive ramification

Focuses on the far-reaching and complex effects of the penalty.

Great cost

Highlights the high price or sacrifice required by the penalty.

Huge detriment

Indicates a very significant amount of damage, harm or loss as a result of the penalty.

FAQs

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

You can use "vast penalty" to describe a significantly large or severe punishment. For example: "The company faced a "vast penalty" for its environmental violations".

What are some alternatives to "vast penalty"?

Alternatives to "vast penalty" include "severe punishment", "heavy fine", or "steep consequence", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "vast penalty" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "vast penalty" is more suitable for formal writing or discussions. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "big fine" might be more appropriate.

What differentiates "vast penalty" from "significant penalty"?

"Vast penalty" implies a greater magnitude or scope than "significant penalty". "Vast" emphasizes the sheer size or impact, while "significant" simply denotes importance or consequence.