a substantial fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant monetary penalty imposed for a violation or offense. Example: "The company was penalized with a substantial fine for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tesco could face a substantial fine from regulators.

The Guardian - Business

Should the airline and passengers decide to prosecute, Ersson could face a substantial fine.

The Guardian

A settlement could be reached as soon as this month, most likely including a substantial fine.

The New York Times

It could be a substantial fine but you need to ask what the point is".

The Guardian

A substantial fine is a traditional way to send a clear message.

The New York Times

In addition to a ban, the group will ask the court to impose a "substantial" fine on the whalers.

The Guardian

Christian added: "It could be a substantial fine but you need to ask what the point is".

The Guardian

I am pleased the regulator has imposed such a substantial fine for such blatant and shocking behaviour.

The Guardian - Money

A major underlying rationale for imposing a substantial fine in a case like this is it's deterrent value".

The Guardian - Business

A major underlying rationale for imposing a substantial fine in a case like this is its deterrent value".

The Guardian

Should he lose, he faces a substantial fine and a stigma that could make obtaining visas and the like problematic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the phrasing if necessary. In formal contexts, "a significant penalty" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial fine" when the amount is relatively small or insignificant. Use more appropriate terms like "minor fee" or "nominal charge" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial fine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "fine". As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to describe a penalty of significant monetary value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial fine" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a significant monetary penalty. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. The phrase effectively communicates the severity of a financial penalty and is often used to emphasize its impact. While several alternatives exist, such as "a significant penalty" or "a hefty surcharge", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, remember that the context should justify the use of "substantial", ensuring the fine is genuinely significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant penalty

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the fine.

a considerable levy

Highlights the amount charged as a fine.

a hefty surcharge

Focuses on the burdensome nature of the fine.

a punitive sanction

Highlights the fine's role as a form of punishment.

a major forfeiture

Indicates that something of value is being lost as a result of the fine.

a large monetary penalty

Specifically denotes the fine as a financial punishment and emphasizes its magnitude.

a significant financial burden

Emphasizes the impact of the fine on the financial resources.

a notable financial penalty

Highlights that the penalty is noteworthy.

a severe financial consequence

Emphasizes the severity of the fine's impact.

a sizable financial punishment

Focuses on both the size and punitive nature of the fine.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial fine" when referring to a significant monetary penalty, such as: "The company faced "a substantial fine" for violating environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial fine"?

Alternatives include "a significant penalty", "a considerable levy", or "a hefty surcharge", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a substantial fine was given"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and natural to say "a substantial fine was imposed" or "the company received "a substantial fine"".

What makes a fine "substantial"?

A fine is considered "substantial" when it's large enough to have a significant impact on the individual or organization being fined, often serving as a deterrent against future violations.