was sanctioned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was sanctioned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone was punished or penalized for a specific action or behavior. Example: "The athlete was sanctioned for violating the league's drug policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A woman was sanctioned for attending cancer treatment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A man was sanctioned for attending a funeral.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was 15 minutes later for the Job Centre and he was sanctioned for 13 weeks.

Independent

As a lawyer, he was sanctioned for misconduct, but he never wound up in prison.

The New York Times

There was a case recently when a player was sanctioned for a two-year suspension".

The Guardian - Sport

Another doctor at the hospital was sanctioned for sexually harrassing a patient.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

During this litigation, Defendant has been sanctioned for discovery abuses.

Harvard University

In 1924 the Winter Games were sanctioned for winter sports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also has never been sanctioned for a doping violation.

The New York Times - Sports

It's true that claimants are sanctioned for piffling reasons.

The Guardian - Film

None of the three has previously been sanctioned for doping.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was sanctioned for" to clearly indicate that a penalty or punishment was officially imposed due to a specific violation or wrongdoing. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts, such as news reports, legal documents, or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was sanctioned for" when you mean "was allowed to". "Sanctioned" implies a penalty, not permission. For instance, instead of saying "the activity was sanctioned for safety", say "the activity was approved for safety".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sanctioned for" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject received a penalty or punishment due to a specific action or violation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a valid and common construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was sanctioned for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone or something received a penalty for a specific infraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it conveys formal actions and consequences. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, it is essential to avoid confusing it with phrases implying permission. Alternatives like "was penalized for" or "was punished for" may be used depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was penalized for

Replaces "sanctioned" with a more common and less formal term, indicating a penalty.

was punished for

Uses a more direct and general term for receiving a consequence.

faced consequences for

Highlights the result of an action, focusing on the consequences experienced.

was disciplined for

Suggests a more formal or structured system of rules being applied.

incurred a penalty due to

More formal, emphasizing the act of incurring a penalty as a direct result.

received a reprimand for

Specifically indicates a formal expression of disapproval.

was condemned for

Highlights strong disapproval or censure of an action.

was found guilty of

Emphasizes a legal or official determination of culpability.

was held accountable for

Focuses on the responsibility and subsequent consequences.

was censured for

Implies a formal and public expression of disapproval.

FAQs

What does "was sanctioned for" mean?

The phrase "was sanctioned for" means that someone or something received a penalty or punishment for violating a rule, law, or standard. The penalty is officially imposed by an authority.

What are some alternatives to "was sanctioned for"?

Alternatives include "was penalized for", "was punished for", or "was disciplined for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the formality of the writing.

How is "was sanctioned for" different from "was reprimanded for"?

"Was sanctioned for" typically implies a more significant penalty or formal punishment, such as a fine or suspension. "Was reprimanded for" suggests a formal expression of disapproval or criticism, which may not involve a tangible penalty.

Can an organization be "sanctioned for" something, or is it only used for individuals?

Both individuals and organizations can be "sanctioned for" various offenses. For example, a company might be sanctioned for violating environmental regulations, or a country might be sanctioned for human rights abuses.