significant fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a penalty or monetary charge that is considerable in amount or importance. Example: "The company faced a significant fine for violating environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It could also face a significant fine.

The New York Times

Microsoft later revealed that the European Commission was threatening a "significant fine" against Microsoft.

The New York Times - Tech

In Waste Management, Andersen was censured by the agency and paid a significant fine for accounting violations as part of a settlement; in Sunbeam, the S.E.C. brought civil charges against an Andersen partner.

The New York Times

The only club without a major sponsor heading into 2014 – they only recently rejected a sponsorship deal from infidelity-inducing website Ashley Madison – the Sharks also have a significant fine to pay off as a result of the Asada investigation.

The Guardian - Sport

Mabey said the allegations had already contributed to a £24m loss last year and warned the company may have to pay a "significant" fine if it is found guilty of graft.

The Guardian - Business

In a worst case environment, we would expect a 'too big to fail' bank such as Goldman to be offered a deferred-prosecution agreement, pay a significant fine and submit to a federal monitor in lieu of a criminal charge").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Instead, the sport needs a system of significant fines and bonuses.

The New York Times

"If companies let their customers down, we will step in and investigate, which can lead to significant fines".

The Guardian - Money

Those that do not comply could face significant fines or be locked out of doing business with American clients.

The New York Times

While these incidents have created brief stirs, they have not resulted in significant fines or other penalties for the show.

The New York Times

Now, if two or more players engage in sexually suggestive acts or do something considered unsportsmanlike conduct they can be subject to significant fines.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "significant fine", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the fine and the entity responsible for paying it. For instance, "The company faced a "significant fine" for violating environmental regulations."

Common error

Avoid using "significant fine" when the amount is relatively small or inconsequential. Reserve this phrase for situations where the fine has a noticeable impact on the individual or organization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant fine" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "fine". It describes the nature and magnitude of the monetary penalty imposed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significant fine" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a substantial monetary penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's frequently found in news and business contexts, serving to inform about consequential punishments. Alternatives like "substantial penalty" or "hefty fine" can be used to express similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies the use of "significant", as it implies a noticeable and impactful amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial penalty

This alternative replaces "fine" with "penalty" and "significant" with "substantial", both indicating a considerable punishment.

hefty fine

This alternative uses "hefty" instead of "significant" to emphasize the large amount of the fine.

considerable fine

This alternative substitutes "significant" with "considerable", maintaining a similar level of formality.

large fine

This is a more straightforward alternative, replacing "significant" with "large".

major fine

This alternative uses "major" instead of "significant", emphasizing the importance and impact of the fine.

serious fine

This alternative replaces "significant" with "serious", which highlights the gravity of the situation.

substantial monetary penalty

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying that the penalty is monetary and substantial.

heavy penalty

Using 'heavy' instead of 'significant' connotes the burdensome nature of the fine.

punitive sanction

This alternative replaces "fine" with "sanction" and uses "punitive" to emphasize the penal nature.

severe financial penalty

This alternative adds extra details, like the nature of the penalty being financial and its severity.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "significant fine" in a sentence?

You can use "significant fine" to describe a penalty, such as "The company received a "significant fine" for non-compliance." The adjective "significant" emphasizes that the fine is considerable.

What is an alternative to saying "significant fine"?

Alternatives include "substantial penalty", "hefty fine", or "considerable fine". These options offer similar connotations of a large monetary punishment.

What makes a fine "significant"?

A "significant" fine is one that is notably large or impactful. It is substantial enough to cause financial strain or serve as a strong deterrent, distinguishing it from smaller, less consequential penalties.

Is it better to say "significant fine" or "large fine"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "significant fine" often implies a more impactful or consequential amount than "large fine". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.