In fine fettle

USAGE SUMMARY

"in fine fettle" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that is in good health or condition. Example: "After a week of rest, she was back to work and in fine fettle." Alternative expressions include "in good shape" and "in great condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Sport

Parts of it are in fine fettle.

The Economist

Sanders was also in fine fettle.

The New Yorker

Crowded House are in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

Nigeria by contrast are in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Sport

Our decade-long relationship was in fine fettle.

The New York Times

You're finishing a long assignment in fine fettle.

The New York Times

He was pushing ninety and in fine fettle.

The New Yorker

Wherever it is, it's unlikely Sly is in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

What's more, Erickson's voice is in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in fine fettle" to add a touch of traditional or British English flair to your writing. It's particularly effective when describing someone's health or the condition of an object.

Common error

Avoid using "in fine fettle" in highly formal or technical writing where a more straightforward term like "in good condition" would be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fine fettle" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being. It indicates a state of good health, condition, or readiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

15%

Music

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Lifestyle

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in fine fettle" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a state of excellent health, condition, or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and music reporting. While slightly formal, it adds a touch of sophistication to writing. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece to ensure its appropriate usage. While "in good shape" or "in excellent condition" are more common, "in fine fettle" offers a distinct flavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In good shape

Replaces "fine fettle" with a more common expression indicating good physical condition or readiness.

In excellent condition

Focuses on the state of being in top condition, suitable for objects or people.

In tip-top condition

Emphasizes being in the best possible condition, often used for machines or equipment.

In peak form

Highlights being at the highest level of performance or ability.

Doing well

A general phrase suggesting success or good health.

Thriving

Suggests flourishing or prospering, often used for businesses or personal growth.

Blooming

Implies a state of flourishing, more often used metaphorically for health and vitality.

Healthy and strong

Directly states the qualities of good health and physical strength.

At its best

Implies that something is performing or functioning optimally.

In top form

Suggests optimal performance or condition, suitable for both people and objects.

FAQs

How can I use "in fine fettle" in a sentence?

You can use "in fine fettle" to describe someone or something that is in excellent condition or health. For example, "After a good night's rest, he was "in fine fettle" and ready for the day".

What are some alternatives to saying "in fine fettle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in good shape", "in excellent condition", or "doing well".

Is "in fine fettle" formal or informal?

"In fine fettle" is considered somewhat formal and slightly old-fashioned, adding a touch of elegance to your language. It is suitable for various contexts but may sound out of place in very casual conversations.

What does it mean to be "in fine fettle"?

To be "in fine fettle" means to be in good health, good spirits, or excellent condition. It's a phrase that suggests vitality and well-being, whether applied to people, objects, or even systems.