in fine fettle

USAGE SUMMARY

"in fine fettle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is in good health or spirits. Example sentence: The marathon runner emerged from the finish line in fine fettle, ready to take on her next challenge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Sport

Parts of it are in fine fettle.

The Economist

Sanders was also in fine fettle.

The New Yorker

Crowded House are in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

Nigeria by contrast are in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Sport

Our decade-long relationship was in fine fettle.

The New York Times

You're finishing a long assignment in fine fettle.

The New York Times

He was pushing ninety and in fine fettle.

The New Yorker

Wherever it is, it's unlikely Sly is in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

What's more, Erickson's voice is in fine fettle.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in fine fettle" to add a touch of traditional English to your writing, especially when describing someone's health or the condition of an organization. It adds character but may not be suitable for all audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "in fine fettle" when describing minor improvements or slight enhancements. The phrase implies a state of excellent health or peak condition, not just a small upgrade.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fine fettle" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests being in good health or excellent condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Travel

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in fine fettle" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of good health or excellent condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in written English and is found most frequently in news and media, business, and sport contexts. While considered neutral in tone, it carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned feel. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a state of excellent health or peak condition, so it's best to avoid using it for minor improvements. Modern alternatives include "in good shape" or "doing well".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in excellent condition

Replaces the idiom with a more straightforward description of being in very good shape.

in top form

Highlights peak performance or condition, suitable for people or entities.

in good health

Focuses specifically on the health aspect of the original phrase.

in tip-top shape

A more informal way of saying something is in excellent condition.

hale and hearty

Emphasizes robust health, often used for people.

thriving

Emphasizes growth and prosperity, suitable for businesses or projects.

on top of their game

Implies performing at the highest level, often used in sports or competitive situations.

flourishing

Similar to thriving, indicating vigorous growth and success.

doing well

A general phrase indicating success or good condition.

in good working order

Highlights functionality and proper operation, particularly for machinery or systems.

FAQs

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

You can use "in fine fettle" to describe someone who is in good health or something that is in excellent condition. For example, "After a good night's sleep, I woke up "in fine fettle"" or "The company's finances are "in fine fettle" after a successful quarter".

What's a modern alternative to "in fine fettle"?

While "in fine fettle" is a traditional idiom, you might prefer more contemporary alternatives like "in good shape", "in excellent condition", or "doing well" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "in fine fettle" can be used in formal writing, but be mindful of your audience. While grammatically correct, it's an older idiom and may sound slightly old-fashioned to some readers. Consider the tone and purpose of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What is the difference between "in fine fettle" and "in poor condition"?

"In fine fettle" describes a state of excellent health or condition, while "in poor condition" describes the opposite – a state of ill health or disrepair. They are antonyms, representing contrasting states of being.