That's a fair point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "That's a fair point" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to acknowledge someone's argument or observation as reasonable or valid during a discussion or debate. Example: "I see your perspective on the budget cuts; that's a fair point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

If, indeed, college students are significantly less likely to be assaulted than non-college students, that's a fair point on Goldberg's part.

The New Yorker

Dutton replied: "Well, Ray, that's a fair point and Malcolm Turnbull wouldn't step back from that point.

The Guardian

And if Emanuel honestly believes, and Milbank honestly agrees, that Obama needs to listen more to the non-enamoreds, that's a fair point of view.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a fair point.

The New York Times

That's a fair point, well made, Enna.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's a fair point," said Thomas McManus, the equity strategist at Banc America Securities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That is a fair point, but the state's position is more persuasive.

Los Angeles Times

That is a fair point.

The Economist

That was a fair point.

The New York Times - Arts

"And that was a fair point".

The New Yorker

I thought that was a fair point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "That's a fair point" to gracefully acknowledge a valid argument, even when you disagree on the overall conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "That's a fair point" excessively in a single conversation; it can sound insincere. Vary your responses with alternatives like "that's a valid point" or "I see your point" to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "That's a fair point" is as a discourse marker. It serves to acknowledge and validate a preceding statement or argument made by another speaker. It's commonly used in conversations and written texts to signal agreement with a specific aspect of someone's reasoning, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "That's a fair point" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as a discourse marker to acknowledge the validity of someone's argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's good practice to use this phrase to demonstrate active listening, remember not to overuse it. Instead, try mixing it up with similar expressions like "that's a valid point" or "I see your point" for more natural and engaging conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's a valid point

Uses "valid" instead of "fair", suggesting the point is logically sound.

That's a reasonable point

Emphasizes the point is logical and not excessive.

You have a point there

Informal and conversational, showing agreement.

I concede that point

More formal, indicating acceptance of the argument.

That's understandable

Focuses on why the point is easy to comprehend.

I agree with that point

Direct statement of agreement.

That's a legitimate concern

Acknowledges the validity of a worry or issue raised.

I see your point

Expresses comprehension and often agreement.

That's a good observation

Highlights the speaker's insight.

I'll grant you that

Shows reluctant agreement or concession.

FAQs

What does "That's a fair point" mean?

It means you acknowledge that someone has made a reasonable or valid argument. It doesn't necessarily mean you agree with their overall conclusion, but you recognize the merit of their specific point.

When is it appropriate to use "That's a fair point"?

It's appropriate to use it during discussions or debates when someone presents a reason or argument that you recognize as valid, even if you don't fully agree with their perspective. It shows you're listening and considering their viewpoint.

What can I say instead of "That's a fair point"?

You can use alternatives like "that's a valid point", "I see your point", or "you have a point there" depending on the context.

Is "That's a fair point" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal situations, you might opt for a more elaborate phrase like "I concede that point".