better than fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not just acceptable but exceeds a basic level of satisfaction or quality. Example: "After the meeting, I felt better than fine; I was truly inspired by the ideas shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

We're better than fine.

The New York Times

Better than fine.

The New York Times

The acting is better than fine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At first, this was fine, or better than fine.

The New Yorker

#TrumpBible A good name is better than fine perfume.

The New Yorker

In the legal world, the haves are doing better than fine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

And, despite all evidence to the contrary the generous parents or kind spouses or attentive friends or better-than-fine children or good dogs you can carry around a feeling that you're inherently unlovable for a long time after the break.

The New Yorker

Far better than fines, suggested Veysel Candan, the deputy chairman of the Happiness Party, would be to have religious leaders like imams educate the public about the advantages of proper Islamic slaughter.

The New York Times

On an absolute level, their education might be just fine — even better than just fine.

The New Yorker

Further analysis using SoilCover showed that coarse sand would perform better than either fine sand or silt as a protective top layer over a clayey till barrier.

Advances in Environmental Research

Her razor-wire stanzas in "The Glimmering Room," even better than her fine debut, "Ruin" (Alice James Books, 2006), are full of too-young desolation angels, "the other almost-girls" and "the boys who want to die".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or condition, "better than fine" is suitable when you want to convey a sense of understated positive improvement rather than overwhelming joy or excitement.

Common error

Avoid relying on "better than fine" in academic or professional contexts where more precise and descriptive language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "significantly improved" or "substantially enhanced" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than fine" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase, indicating that something exceeds a basic level of acceptability or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

HuffPost

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better than fine" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that serves to indicate a state exceeding simple acceptability. Its neutral register and broad applicability make it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, "better than fine" is appropriate for expressing a sense of mild satisfaction or improvement. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where greater precision is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly better

Emphasizes the noticeable difference in quality.

more than adequate

Suggests a state that goes beyond the minimum requirement, highlighting sufficiency and a safety margin.

superior to satisfactory

Replaces "fine" with a more formal synonym and "better" with "superior", indicating a higher degree of quality.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing a set standard, implying a positive surprise.

a cut above average

Implies standing out positively when compared to others.

distinctly superior

Similar to "superior to satisfactory" but with a stronger emphasis on clarity and difference.

considerably improved

Highlights the degree of enhancement from a previous state.

significantly enhanced

Focuses on substantial improvement or augmentation.

exceptionally good

Shifts the focus to outstanding quality.

well above par

Suggests a state of surpassing the typical or expected performance level.

FAQs

How can I use "better than fine" in a sentence?

Use "better than fine" to express that something is not just acceptable but is actually quite good. For example, "After some adjustments, the new system is "better than fine"."

What are some alternatives to "better than fine"?

Alternatives include "more than adequate", "markedly better", or "distinctly superior", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "better than fine" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "better than fine" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "significantly improved" or "substantially enhanced" in those cases.

What does it mean when someone says "better than fine"?

It generally means that a situation or condition is not just acceptable or satisfactory, but is actually quite good or has improved noticeably from a previous state.