major fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial penalty, often in the context of legal or financial matters. Example: "The company faced a major fine for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Major fine?

The New Yorker

As a result, we missed the delivery date for the order, which resulted in a major fine from the retailer.

The New York Times

But a major fine in 2012 from the American authorities for laundering Mexican drug money tarnished that reputation for probity.

Independent

A disgruntled employee set them on fire, thus setting off a major fine and mandatory clean-up process with the Department of Environmental Protection.

The New York Times

On Monday, the U.S. Transportation Secretary said he might recommended a major fine against United for a security lapse that allowed a man to pass through security with knives and a stun gun.

Forbes

In 2004, Sotheby's sold 200 of his works in a major Fine Chinese Art auction.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In a partnership that would endure for 45 years, Mr. Terkel broadcast a daily hour of music, commentary and interviews, helping to build WFMT into a major fine-arts station.

The New York Times - Books

Other banks are bracing for the potential fallout, including major fines and regulatory sanctions.

The New York Times

The News -- The Bush administration has reduced major fines for safety violations in mines, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

The New York Times

Global authorities are now moving forward with civil and criminal cases, setting up the potential for major fines and regulatory sanctions.

The New York Times

The regulator has recently slapped major fines on companies for failing to patch leaky networks and could decrease the allowed returns.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major fine", ensure the context clearly indicates the magnitude and impact of the financial penalty. Avoid vague language and specify the amount if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "major fine" for relatively small penalties. Reserve the phrase for fines that have a significant financial impact on the individual or organization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major fine" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "fine". It describes the size or severity of the fine. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in news and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major fine" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a substantial financial penalty. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. When writing, use "major fine" to emphasize the significance of the penalty and to indicate a serious violation. Consider alternatives such as "substantial penalty" or "heavy fine" for variety, but reserve "major fine" for situations where the financial impact is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial penalty

Focuses on the amount and impact of the fine, emphasizing its significance.

heavy fine

Highlights the severity and burden of the financial penalty.

significant fine

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and importance of the fine.

large fine

Directly refers to the size of the fine in monetary terms.

considerable fine

Implies the fine is noteworthy due to its size or impact.

punitive fine

Highlights that the fine is intended as a punishment or deterrent.

hefty penalty

Uses "hefty" to describe the substantial nature of the financial consequence.

severe fine

Emphasizes the strictness and gravity associated with the imposed fine.

crippling fine

Stresses that the fine could severely damage or incapacitate the affected party.

exorbitant fine

Suggests that the fine is unreasonably high and beyond what is considered fair.

FAQs

What does "major fine" mean?

A "major fine" refers to a substantial or significant financial penalty imposed for violating a law, regulation, or contract.

What are some alternatives to "major fine"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial penalty", "heavy fine", or "significant fine" to convey a similar meaning.

How is a "major fine" different from a regular fine?

A "major fine" implies a higher monetary value and a more significant impact compared to a regular or minor fine. It suggests a more serious infraction.

In what situations might someone face a "major fine"?

Individuals or organizations might face a "major fine" for serious violations such as environmental damage, financial fraud, or safety breaches. Penalties typically reflect the severity of the offense.