finer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing qualities or characteristics, often to indicate a higher degree of excellence or detail. Example: "The artist's latest work is finer than his previous pieces, showcasing his growth and skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In it Cameron admits he is "hardly a model church-going, God-fearing Christian" and that he is "a bit hazy on the finer points of our faith".

The Guardian

Cardboard's opener sees Sommer discussing the finer points of gaming with Modern Family star Ty Burrell, and the pair's easy badinage does a good job of masking the fact that a podcast about board games is a pretty daft idea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They will have to understand the difference between their jus and their roux, as well as the finer details of palmiers, batons, dextrinisation and gas-in-air foam.

The Guardian

Regarding the sugar, the finer (caster) and darker (soft brown) the better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But in the rush to design it, Girardet wonders if the finer details of waste disposal and green power were lost.

The Guardian

Before we can discuss the finer points of why Michael Jackson kept booze in Pepsi cans when he was around kids, the real star of the show arrives, on all fours.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So in terms of technical execution there have been many finer innings.

The Guardian - Sport

What could be finer (almost anything, I hear you cry).

The Guardian

But whereas rightwing challengers in the Tea Party can lump public dissatisfaction with Washington, Wall Street and the government into one big anti-establishment message, radicals on the left have a finer line to tread, especially after Obama's botched healthcare launch led to such mistrust of their preferred public sector solutions.

The Guardian

The more the tissue can be expanded, the finer the detail that can be resolved with conventional microscope methods.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fun is fine but surely a sense of humour, perspective and some self-awareness are finer qualities?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finer", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context supports the idea of increased quality, detail, or refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "finer" when there's no clear comparison being made. "Finer" implies a relative improvement or distinction, so it's not appropriate for describing something without a point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The word "finer" functions primarily as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a superior or more refined quality when compared to something else. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Opinion

2%

Travel

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finer" is a comparative adjective used to indicate a higher degree of quality, detail, or refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "finer", ensure a clear comparison is present and remember that related terms such as "more refined", "more delicate", or "superior" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more refined

Emphasizes a higher degree of sophistication or polish.

more delicate

Focuses on the subtlety and precision of something.

more subtle

Highlights the understated or nuanced nature of something.

more precise

Stresses accuracy and exactness.

superior

Indicates a higher rank or quality in a general sense.

more exquisite

Suggests exceptional beauty or artistry.

more polished

Implies a smoother, more refined presentation.

more sophisticated

Indicates a higher level of complexity and refinement.

more advanced

Highlights progress or improvement in skill, knowledge, or technique.

improved

Implies that something has been made better, more appealing, or refined

FAQs

How can I use "finer" in a sentence?

Use "finer" to compare two things, indicating a higher degree of quality or detail. For example, "This silk has a "finer weave" than that one."

What can I say instead of "finer"?

Alternatives to "finer" include "more refined", "more delicate", or "superior", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "finer detail" or "more fine detail"?

"Finer detail" is the correct and more common phrase. "Fine" is an adjective, and "finer" is its comparative form, making it suitable for expressing a higher degree of fineness. Using "more fine" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic.

What is the difference between "finer" and "better"?

"Finer" implies a higher degree of refinement or detail, while "better" is a more general term for superior quality. You might say a wine has a "finer bouquet" (more delicate aroma) or that it is simply "better wine" (of higher overall quality).