this is fine

USAGE SUMMARY

'this is fine' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to express agreement or acceptance. For example: Person 1: Are you sure you want to go through with this plan? Person 2: Yes, this is fine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No, this is fine.

The New Yorker

Actually, this is fine.

The Economist

This is fine, right.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is fine by Hagen.

The New Yorker

This is fine psychological insight.

The New York Times

Usually this is fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is fine," Boso said.

The New Yorker

This is fine, even desirable.

The New York Times - Food

And remember, this is fine!

The New Yorker

"This is fine," she says.

The New Yorker

In many ways, this is fine advice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "this is fine" can be a powerful way to show a character's internal state, especially if their outward behavior contradicts their true feelings.

Common error

While "this is fine" is a versatile phrase, avoid using it too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your expressions of acceptance and agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is fine" primarily functions as an interjection or statement of acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express agreement or acceptance, often with a nuance of resignation or ironic detachment. The examples show its wide applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is fine" is a versatile phrase used to express acceptance, agreement, or resignation, often with a hint of irony. It's grammatically correct and widely used, as Ludwig AI states, across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning adapts to the situation, ranging from sincere acceptance to sarcastic detachment. For more formal settings, alternatives like ""that's acceptable"" or ""it is satisfactory"" may be more appropriate. Be mindful of overuse to maintain the phrase's impact. With its roots in a popular webcomic, "this is fine" resonates as a concise yet powerful expression of coping in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is alright

Indicates a state of well-being or satisfaction, shifting focus from acceptance to a general positive condition.

I'm okay with this

Focuses on personal acceptance and comfort with a situation, emphasizing individual feelings.

it's all good

A more informal and concise way of expressing acceptance or agreement, suitable for casual contexts.

that's acceptable

Emphasizes the permissibility or suitability of something, moving away from emotional acceptance to a more objective judgment.

it's not a problem

Indicates that something is not causing any difficulties or concerns, shifting the focus to the absence of issues.

no complaints here

Expresses satisfaction by stating the absence of any negative feedback or concerns.

it's satisfactory

Highlights that something meets the required standards or expectations, focusing on the level of fulfillment.

I can live with that

Expresses a willingness to tolerate or accept something, often implying a compromise or less-than-ideal situation.

this is adequate

Suggests that something is sufficient or enough for a particular purpose, highlighting its functionality.

it suffices

A more formal way of saying something is enough or adequate, indicating it meets the minimum requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "this is fine" in a sentence?

You can use "this is fine" to express acceptance or agreement with a situation, often with a hint of resignation or irony. For example, "The project is behind schedule, but "this is fine", we'll adjust the timeline."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "this is fine"?

Similar phrases include "it's all good", "I'm okay with this", or "that's acceptable" depending on the context.

Is "this is fine" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this is fine" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "that's acceptable" or "it is satisfactory".

What's the origin of the "this is fine" meme?

The "this is fine" meme originates from a webcomic by K.C. Green, depicting a dog sitting calmly in a burning room, illustrating a sense of denial or acceptance in a chaotic situation. The phrase is often used ironically to convey similar feelings.