hefty fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hefty fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large or significant monetary penalty imposed for a violation or offense. Example: "The company was hit with a hefty fine for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And a hefty fine.

The New York Times

There is talk of a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Linguistic trespassers will be prosecuted with a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also said the company might face a hefty fine.

The New York Times

Either way, they will face a hefty fine.

The Guardian - Film

Google is likely to end up with a hefty fine.

The Guardian

Defendants usually pay a hefty fine but don't admit any guilt.

The Economist

Despite being slapped with a hefty fine, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif).

The Economist

A breach necessitates swift remedial action or the offender may risk paying a hefty fine.

The Economist

HSBC is expected to receive a hefty fine for allegedly flouting money-laundering regulations.

The Economist

Tagliabue determined that Lewis should be hit with a hefty fine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hefty fine", ensure the context clearly establishes the violation or offense that warrants such a significant penalty. Be specific about the actions that led to the fine to emphasize its justification.

Common error

Avoid using "hefty fine" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "big fine" might be more appropriate. The phrase has a slightly formal tone due to the word "hefty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hefty fine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It describes a penalty, emphasizing its significant monetary value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hefty fine" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to describe a significant monetary penalty. Ludwig confirms its correctness and frequent appearance in news and media sources, with some presence in formal and business contexts. When writing, it's best used to clearly convey the considerable size of the fine and the severity of the offense. Alternatives such as "substantial fine" or "large fine" can be used depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial fine

Replaces "hefty" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount but with a slightly more formal tone.

considerable fine

Substitutes "hefty" with "considerable", suggesting a notable and worthy-of-attention penalty.

large fine

Uses "large" instead of "hefty", denoting size or amount, making it a simpler alternative.

significant penalty

Replaces both "hefty" and "fine" with synonyms that convey the seriousness of the consequence.

severe financial penalty

Emphasizes the financial aspect and severity of the penalty.

steep fine

Replaces "hefty" with "steep", implying the fine is excessive or unreasonably high.

major fine

A less formal way to express a large fine, using "major" to indicate significance.

excessive fine

Highlights the excessiveness of the fine, implying it is beyond what is reasonable.

crippling fine

Indicates the fine is so large it could cause significant damage or hardship.

punitive fine

Highlights that the purpose of the fine is to punish the offender.

FAQs

What does "hefty fine" mean?

A "hefty fine" refers to a large or significant monetary penalty imposed as a punishment for violating a law, regulation, or agreement. The term "hefty" emphasizes the substantial amount of money involved.

What can I say instead of "hefty fine"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial fine", "considerable fine", or "large fine" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "hefty fine"?

It's appropriate to use "hefty fine" when you want to emphasize that the fine is significantly large and impactful. It's commonly used in news reports, legal documents, and formal discussions.

Is there a difference between "hefty fine" and "heavy fine"?

While both "hefty fine" and "heavy fine" are similar, "hefty" often implies a more substantial or unexpectedly large amount compared to "heavy", which simply suggests a considerable amount.