a large fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large fine" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a penalty or punishment that involves paying a large amount of money. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: "The company was hit with a large fine for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The commission has the power to levy a large fine.

The Economist

Nonetheless, the airline could face a large fine.

The New York Times

The proceeding could result in a large fine or the temporary shutdown of the station.

The New York Times

Failure to appear could result "in permanent license revocation and a large fine".

The New York Times

They have hit me with a large fine and ordered me to "clean up" my property.

The New Yorker

The bank pleaded guilty, paid a large fine and has decided to close.

The Economist

If you file such a return, you risk at the very least a large fine.

The New York Times

Unlike many of those big banks, Barclays initially balked at paying a large fine.

The Washington Post

The potential punishments range from a large fine or community service to five years in prison.

The Guardian

Though the situation was absurd, her license and a large fine were potentially at stake.

The New York Times - Health

Another point of contention was Mr. Spitzer's demand that Merrill pay a large fine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a large fine", consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "penalty", "sanction", or "levy" might be more appropriate to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a large fine" when referring to relatively small penalties. Ensure the magnitude of the fine genuinely warrants the description of being "large".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large fine" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating a financial penalty that is substantial in amount. Ludwig confirms the proper usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a large fine" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a substantial monetary penalty. Grammatically correct and versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with Ludwig highlighting its proper usage across various sources. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift depending on the context, and it's often used to emphasize the severity of a punishment. Alternatives such as "a substantial fine" or "a hefty penalty" can offer nuanced expressions based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial fine

This alternative emphasizes the significant amount of money involved in the fine.

a heavy fine

This implies a burden associated with the fine.

a hefty penalty

This alternative suggests a severe and burdensome fine.

a sizable financial penalty

Similar to "substantial", but slightly more colloquial.

a significant monetary penalty

This alternative highlights the financial aspect and importance of the penalty.

a punitive fine

This option highlights the intention of the fine to punish the offender.

a considerable financial sanction

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the official nature of the penalty.

an exorbitant fine

Implies that the fine is excessive or unreasonable.

a severe financial levy

This alternative uses a more formal tone to describe the fine.

a crippling fine

This alternative emphasizes the potentially damaging effect of the fine.

FAQs

How is "a large fine" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a large fine" is used to denote a significant financial penalty imposed for offenses, often indicating a more serious violation. The actual amount considered "large" can vary based on the specific law and jurisdiction.

What are some alternative phrases for "a large fine"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial fine", "a hefty penalty", or "a significant monetary penalty depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a largely fine" instead of "a large fine"?

No, "a largely fine" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a large fine", where "large" is an adjective describing the size or amount of the fine.

What's the difference between "a large fine" and "a heavy fine"?

While both phrases refer to a significant financial penalty, "a heavy fine" often implies that the fine is burdensome or difficult to pay, whereas "a large fine" simply emphasizes the amount.