a maximum fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a maximum fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or regulatory contexts to specify the highest amount of money that can be imposed as a penalty for a violation. Example: "If found guilty of the offense, the defendant could face a maximum fine of $10,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The traffic offense carries a maximum fine of $100.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, the conspiracy count carries, on conviction, a maximum fine of $250,000 and each trafficking count, a maximum fine of $500,000.

The New York Times

He said the company faced a maximum fine of $10 million.

The New York Times

The administrative offence carries a maximum fine of 200,000 rubles ($3,165) for an official.

The Guardian

The company faced a maximum fine of $15 million for its conviction on 30 counts.

The New York Times

The indictment exposes him to a maximum fine of $1.35 million and 73 years in prison.

The New York Times

Each offense carries a maximum fine of $300 and 90 days in jail.

The New York Times

Anyone who keeps illegal snakes such as boa constrictors risks a maximum fine of $90,000.

The Guardian

Each violation is subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.

The New York Times

Burning a national flag could cost the perpetrator a maximum fine of €30,000.

The Guardian

The agency is authorized to impose a maximum fine of $35 million per violation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal or regulatory documents, clearly state the specific circumstances that could lead to "a maximum fine" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a maximum fine" is always the standard penalty; it represents the highest amount that can be levied, and the actual fine may vary depending on the specific situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a maximum fine" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the uppermost limit of a financial penalty that can be imposed for an offense. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in legal and regulatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a maximum fine" is a common and grammatically correct term that refers to the highest financial penalty that can be imposed for an offense. As noted by Ludwig, it's prevalent in legal and regulatory contexts, often appearing in news reports and formal documents. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, it's important to remember that the actual fine imposed can vary based on specific circumstances. Alternatives like "highest possible fine" or "maximum penalty" can be used depending on the level of formality desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest possible fine

Emphasizes the upper limit of the fine that can be imposed.

maximum financial penalty

Explicitly specifies the fine as a financial consequence.

maximum penalty

Broader term including fines and other punishments.

stiffest fine

Highlights the severity of the fine.

most severe fine

Stresses the harshness of the financial punishment.

top fine

A shorter, more informal way to say "a maximum fine".

peak fine

Indicates the highest point of the fine scale.

upper limit fine

Focuses on the upper boundary of the financial penalty.

ultimate fine

Implies a final and severe fine.

greatest fine

Focuses on the magnitude of the fine.

FAQs

How is "a maximum fine" typically determined in legal contexts?

The "a maximum fine" is usually set by legislation or regulatory bodies and depends on the severity and nature of the offense. It is the highest amount that can be imposed, and the actual fine may be lower based on mitigating circumstances.

What factors influence the imposition of "a maximum fine"?

Several factors can influence whether /s/a+maximum+fine is imposed, including the severity of the violation, the defendant's prior record, the intent of the offender, and any mitigating circumstances presented during legal proceedings.

Can "a maximum fine" be accompanied by other penalties?

Yes, "a maximum fine" can often be combined with other penalties such as imprisonment, community service, or loss of privileges, depending on the specific laws and regulations governing the offense.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a maximum fine" in legal writing?

Alternatives include "highest possible fine", "maximum penalty", or "top fine", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.