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Prepositions after adjectives

Punishable by vs. punishable with

Punishable by introduces the punishment itself or legal authority. Punishable with often introduces a specific penalty.

Quick answer

Key difference

Use punishable by for the method or authority of punishment. Use punishable with for a particular penalty such as a fine.

The offence is punishable by imprisonment.
The violation is punishable with a heavy fine.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
punishable by + punishment

Naming the method or penalty

By introduces imprisonment, death, or other forms of punishment.

The crime is punishable by law.
2
punishable with + penalty

Giving a specific sanction

With often introduces fines or sentences.

The offence is punishable with up to two years in prison.
3
punishable under + law

Referring to legal codes

Under introduces the legal framework.

The act is punishable under federal law.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
punishable by
Tax fraud is punishable by imprisonment.
standard legal pattern
punishable with
Late filing is punishable with a fine.
common with specific penalties
punishable under
The offence is punishable under state law.
refers to legal authority
punishable for
He was punishable for the error.
less natural than punished for or punishable by

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for after punishable

Punishable normally takes by or with.

✕ The act is punishable for imprisonment. ✓ The act is punishable by imprisonment.

Confusing punished and punishable

Punishable describes potential punishment.

✕ He was punishable yesterday. ✓ He was punished yesterday.

Using by with a fine awkwardly

With is often smoother for specific penalties.

✓ The offence is punishable with a fine.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The offence is punishable ___ imprisonment.
2. The violation is punishable ___ a fine.
3. The act is punishable ___ federal law.

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Frequently asked questions

Is punishable by more formal?

Yes. It is especially common in legal language.

Can punishable with be used in legal writing?

Yes, particularly before specific penalties such as fines.

What is the difference between punishable and punished?

Punishable means deserving or capable of punishment; punished refers to punishment already given.

packed-with-to-in-on, into "paid for" or "paid up"? painful for, to, in, at or of? "palatable to" or "palatable for"? "pale in" or "pale of"? "pandemic of" or "pandemic in"? "paramount to" or "paramount in"? paranoid about, of, in, with or over? partial to, of, in, towards or for? participating in, of, on, at or for? "particular about" or "particular to"? part-time at, in, for, as or with?

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