a fine

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a punishment or penalty, or to refer to something that is of superior quality. For example, "The art thief was given a fine of $5,000 for his crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A fine performance.

Independent

That's a fine idea.

The Economist

What a fine man.

Independent

"It's a fine tradition.

The New Yorker

A fine sentiment.

The Economist

A fine debut.

The Economist

"But a fine?

Independent

It's a fine calculation".

The Economist

A fine point.

The New York Times - Food

A fine mess!

The New Yorker

A fine romance blossomed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fine" to describe quality, ensure it aligns with the context. For instance, use it to describe a subtle distinction or a delicate balance, rather than a grand, obvious achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "a fine" too frequently in casual conversations. Alternatives like "good", "great", or more specific adjectives can make your language more engaging and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fine" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It can denote high quality, as seen in the Ludwig examples like "a fine performance" or refer to a monetary penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fine" is grammatically correct and versatile, serving both to describe quality and to denote a penalty. Ludwig AI validates its usability across diverse contexts. While very common, especially in news and media, its appropriateness hinges on the specific situation and the desired level of formality. When describing quality, consider alternatives like "excellent" or "superb" for added emphasis. Be mindful of overusing "a fine" in informal settings to maintain natural and engaging language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent

Replaces "fine" with a more emphatic adjective indicating superior quality.

a splendid

Conveys a sense of magnificence and enjoyment.

a superb

Suggests a higher degree of excellence and impressiveness than "fine".

a remarkable

Emphasizes the exceptional or noteworthy nature of something.

a good

Offers a simpler, more general alternative to "fine", suitable for broader contexts.

an admirable

Implies that something is worthy of respect and admiration.

a commendable

Highlights that something deserves praise and approval.

a satisfactory

Indicates that something meets the required standards or expectations.

a quality

Focuses on the aspect of high grade or standard.

a decent

Offers a more casual and understated alternative, implying adequate quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fine" to describe something of good quality, such as "a fine wine", or to refer to a monetary penalty, such as "pay "a fine"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a fine"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an excellent", "a good", or "a superb".

Is it better to say "a fine" or "an excellent"?

The choice between "a fine" and "an excellent" depends on the degree of quality you want to convey. "An excellent" suggests a higher level of quality than "a fine".

When is it appropriate to use "a fine" in formal writing?

Using "a fine" is appropriate in formal writing when describing something of good quality or when referring to a monetary penalty. However, consider using more precise adjectives to enhance clarity and impact.