a fine issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fine issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular topic or problem that is considered to be of good quality or importance. Example: "The committee discussed a fine issue regarding the allocation of resources for community projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

— Patrick Farrell Edible Manhattan: Here's a fine issue devoted to drink in New York.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The argument was about a fine issued the day before to a worker with the group, who had crossed the street just a few steps from a crosswalk.

The New York Times

A woman who successfully challenged a fine issued by Kingdom in the north-west told the Guardian she believed officers were issuing fines to people who were "easy targets".

The Guardian

Some 223,000 penalties were issued because of unauthorised holidays alone, with the number rising sharply upwards after April 2017, when the supreme court upheld a fine issued by Isle of Wight local authority following a two-year legal battle.

The Guardian

Since the league does not permit a team to pay a fine issued to one of its employees, the burden falls on Newman.

Los Angeles Times

It was noted if (1) the person was found guilty in a county court; (2) had received a fine issued by a prosecutor; and/or (3) had received a waiver of prosecution issued by a prosecutor.

BMC Psychiatry

‐The law reduced the penalty fOr the use, sale or possession of small amounts of marijuana to a $5 fine issued much like a parking ticket.

The New York Times

The largest penalty was a $3 million fine issued to Joseph Paul Malyszek of Clarks Summit, Pa., according to a report filed by NASD Regulation, the association's regulatory arm.

The New York Times

Despite a small fine issued to the shipping agent, none of the key players were prosecuted.

Independent

An Isle of Wight parent, Jon Platt, had challenged a £60 fine issued by his council after he took his daughter to Florida for a week in 2015 without the school's approval.

The Guardian

Static Shock, about a black high school student with electrical powers, is a fine introductory issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fine issue", ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to a subtle problem or a high-quality edition of a publication. Clarity is key to avoiding misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a fine issue" when you simply mean "a good issue". "Fine" suggests either a subtle or delicate matter or that something is of high quality or refined. If the intention is to express general approval, opt for "a good issue" or "an excellent edition" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fine issue" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes either a specific problem of some importance or subtlety, or a particular edition/publication, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fine issue" is a noun phrase that refers to a subtle or delicate matter, or a high-quality publication. As noted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, although its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase can be useful for pinpointing specific topics, problems, or editions. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusion, as "fine" can imply either subtlety or quality. Alternative phrases like "a delicate matter" or "a valuable topic" may provide additional clarity depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate matter

Replaces "fine" with "delicate," emphasizing the sensitivity or fragility of the issue.

a nuanced problem

Substitutes "fine" with "nuanced," highlighting the complexity and subtle details of the issue.

an important consideration

Changes the focus to the act of considering, emphasizing the significance of the issue.

a key question

Highlights the issue as a central question that needs to be addressed.

a critical point

Emphasizes the importance of the issue as a crucial element.

a subtle challenge

Replaces "fine" with "subtle" and "issue" with "challenge", focusing on a hidden difficulty.

a significant concern

Replaces "issue" with "concern", indicating a worry or anxiety about the matter.

a pressing matter

Substitutes "fine" with "pressing," emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

a noteworthy subject

Replaces "issue" with "subject," framing it as a topic worthy of attention.

a valuable topic

Highlights the inherent worth or importance of the issue being discussed.

FAQs

How can "a fine issue" be used in a sentence?

"A fine issue" can refer to a delicate problem, as in, "The negotiation addressed "a fine issue" of international trade agreements". It can also refer to a well-made publication.

What is an alternative to saying "a fine issue"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a delicate matter", "a nuanced problem", or "a valuable topic".

Is it appropriate to use "a fine issue" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when referring to a subtle or complex matter. However, consider whether a more specific term like "a critical point" might be clearer.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a fine issue"?

Avoid using "a fine issue" if the issue is not particularly delicate or complex, or when referring to a bad issue. In such cases, simpler terms like "a significant problem" or "a flawed edition" may be more suitable.