a hefty fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty fine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large or expensive penalty imposed as punishment for violating a law or rule. Example: "The driver had to pay a hefty fine for exceeding the speed limit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a hefty fine.

The New York Times

There is talk of a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

The firm itself is also expecting a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Linguistic trespassers will be prosecuted with a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also said the company might face a hefty fine.

The New York Times

Either way, they will face a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Film

Google is likely to end up with a hefty fine.

The Guardian

Defendants usually pay a hefty fine but don't admit any guilt.

The Economist

Despite being slapped with a hefty fine, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif).

The Economist

A breach necessitates swift remedial action or the offender may risk paying a hefty fine.

The Economist

HSBC is expected to receive a hefty fine for allegedly flouting money-laundering regulations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or regulatory violations, using "a hefty fine" can effectively convey the seriousness of the punishment. Ensure the context supports the implication of a substantial financial penalty.

Common error

Avoid using "a hefty fine" when the amount is relatively small or insignificant. The term implies a considerable sum of money, so ensure it aligns with the actual penalty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty fine" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific type of penalty, one that is substantial in amount. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty fine" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a substantial financial penalty. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard English grammar and is widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively communicates the seriousness of a punishment. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the implication of a significant monetary amount. Consider alternatives like "a substantial penalty" or "a significant financial penalty" for different shades of meaning. Be mindful not to use it when the fine is insignificant. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial penalty

Replaces "fine" with "penalty" and "hefty" with "substantial", emphasizing the significance of the punishment.

a costly penalty

Replaces hefty with costly indicating that the penalty is high.

a significant financial penalty

Adds the "financial" adjective to specify the type of penalty, clarifying that it involves money.

a large monetary sanction

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "fine" with "sanction" and adding the adjective "monetary".

a considerable forfeiture

Uses the word "forfeiture" which implies losing something as a result of breaking a rule.

a considerable charge

Substitutes "fine" for the word "charge" and "hefty" for the word "considerable", softening the punitive tone.

a punitive assessment

Replaces the word fine with the word "assessment", giving it a more formal and objective tone.

a steep imposition

Highlights the act of imposing the fine, framing it as a burden or obligation.

a punitive levy

Uses the less common term "levy" to refer to the fine, making the phrase sound more legalistic.

a severe financial consequence

Emphasizes the negative outcome of violating a law or rule.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hefty fine" to describe a large financial penalty, such as "The company faced "a hefty fine" for violating environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to saying "a hefty fine"?

Alternatives include "a substantial penalty", "a significant financial penalty", or "a large monetary sanction".

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

Yes, "a hefty fine" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts related to law, business, or regulations. However, consider alternatives like "a substantial penalty" for a more nuanced tone.

What distinguishes "a hefty fine" from "a small fine"?

"A hefty fine" implies a considerable financial burden, whereas "a small fine" suggests a relatively minor penalty. The choice depends on the actual amount and its impact on the recipient.