fairly fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately good or acceptable, often in a casual context. Example: "The weather today is fairly fine, making it a great day for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

MATERIAL Limestone of fairly fine grain, but prone to flaking.

Harvard University

Whatever you choose, keep the texture fairly fine.

The Washington Post

Chop onion, garlic and sage together until fairly fine.

The New York Times - Food

If they are not tiny Scandinavian or Maine varieties, chop them fairly fine.

The New York Times - Food

2. Quarter pineapples lengthwise, remove core and chop flesh fairly fine, taking care to collect any juice.

The New York Times

It should also be fairly fine; if it is too coarse, the crust will be gritty rather than crisp.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He mixes his cadences well and is fairly fine-tuned when it comes to dummy gestures.

The New York Times

What's more, the researchers found that the fish made fairly fine-tuned decisions.

The New York Times - Science

Gert's analysis, then, permits and indeed requires that we make fairly fine-grained distinctions between various sorts of impartiality.

SEP

Dewey's experimentalist model enables a fairly fine-grained assessment of the epistemic powers of social arrangements, both legal and cultural.

Johns Hopkins University

But most analysts also agree that the problems of Social Security, which provides old-age benefits, could be addressed with fairly modest fine-tuning to future benefits or to payroll taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fairly fine" to express a moderate degree of quality or condition without strong emphasis. It's suitable when you want to avoid exaggeration or understatement.

Common error

Avoid relying on "fairly fine" in formal writing where more precise or descriptive language is expected. Opt for stronger adjectives to convey specific qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly fine" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It indicates a moderate degree of the quality described by the adjective, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly fine" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a moderate level of quality or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in wiki articles. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives such as "moderately good" or "reasonably good" can offer slight nuances in meaning. Remember to use "fairly fine" when you wish to express an opinion without strong emphasis, and be mindful of its less frequent appearance in highly formal or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately good

Replaces "fairly fine" with a more direct expression of moderate quality.

reasonably good

Substitutes "fairly" with "reasonably", indicating an acceptable level of quality.

quite acceptable

Emphasizes the acceptability of something, rather than its exceptional quality.

passably well

Indicates that something is done well enough to pass or be acceptable.

adequately good

Highlights that something meets the minimum requirements for being good.

sufficiently good

Focuses on the sufficiency of the quality, implying it's good enough for the purpose.

tolerably good

Suggests that the quality is bearable, though not necessarily impressive.

decent enough

A more informal way of saying something is adequately good.

satisfactorily good

Emphasizes that the quality is good enough to meet expectations or requirements.

acceptably well

Similar to "passably well", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "fairly fine" to describe something of moderate quality or condition. For example, "The weather today is "fairly fine", making it suitable for a walk."

What can I say instead of "fairly fine"?

You can use alternatives like "moderately good", "reasonably good", or "quite acceptable depending on the context."

Is it appropriate to use "fairly fine" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fairly fine" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language.

What is the difference between "fairly fine" and "very fine"?

"Fairly fine" indicates a moderate degree of quality, while "very fine" suggests a higher, more exceptional quality. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.