with impunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with impunity" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used to denote a person or entity that is allowed to act without fear of responsibility or reprisal. For example, "The dictator ruled the nation with impunity for over a decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Criminals act with impunity.

The Economist

Villains often act with impunity.

The Economist

For too long, poachers acted with impunity.

Independent

It could bully its neighbours with impunity.

The Economist

Non-members break the rules with impunity.

The Economist

Its forces could operate everywhere with impunity.

The New York Times

Armed men rape and plunder with impunity.

The Economist

He can be rude with impunity.

The New Yorker

All sides have killed them with impunity.

The Economist

The Taliban continue to strike with impunity.

The New York Times

They do so routinely and with impunity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with impunity" to emphasize that someone is not being held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions are harmful or illegal. For instance, "Corrupt officials often operate "with impunity", making it difficult to enforce the law."

Common error

Avoid using "with impunity" when actions have minor or social consequences, instead focus on major breaches of law, ethical conduct, or expected standards that are not being formally addressed. For example, it would be incorrect to state "He ate the last cookie "with impunity"", as this does not represent a serious breach of conduct that goes unpunished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with impunity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It signifies that the action occurs without fear of punishment or negative consequences, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with impunity" is a powerful tool for expressing concern over a lack of accountability. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that "with impunity" should be reserved for situations where actions, often harmful or illegal, are allowed to occur without consequence. Alternatives include "without consequence", "without fear of punishment", and "scot-free". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively convey your message and enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without consequence

Focuses on the lack of results or impact following an action.

without fear of punishment

Highlights the absence of legal or disciplinary repercussions.

scot-free

Implies escaping a situation without any negative repercussions.

unpunished

Emphasizes the lack of punitive measures after wrongdoing.

without accountability

Stresses the lack of responsibility taken for one's actions.

free from repercussions

Highlights the avoidance of negative outcomes or aftereffects.

unchecked

Suggests actions are not monitored or controlled.

unrestrained

Indicates a lack of limits or restrictions on behavior.

at will

Implies the freedom to act as one pleases, without external constraints.

without hindrance

Focuses on the absence of obstacles or impediments.

FAQs

How can I use "with impunity" in a sentence?

Use "with impunity" to describe actions performed without fear of punishment or negative consequences. For example, "The dictator ruled the country "with impunity", ignoring international laws and human rights."

What are some phrases similar to "with impunity"?

You can use alternatives such as "without consequence", "without fear of punishment", or "scot-free" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone acted "with impunity"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It implies that the person acted without facing any negative repercussions for their actions.

What is the difference between "with impunity" and "without consequence"?

"With impunity" specifically refers to actions escaping punishment or legal repercussions, while "without consequence" is broader and can refer to any type of negative outcome or impact that is avoided.