a fair contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing competitions or situations where all participants have equal opportunities and conditions. Example: "The tournament was designed to ensure a fair contest among all teams, promoting sportsmanship and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

That was hardly a fair contest.

The New York Times - Sports

It was not a fair contest".

The Guardian - Sport

"What we'd ask for is a fair contest," he said.

Independent

It certainly did not provide a fair contest between bat and ball.

The Guardian - Sport

(Sex, drugs and organised crime versus a roaring conference industry: hardly a fair contest).

The Guardian - Travel

It is difficult to know how you can have a fair contest amid such intimidation.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Much has been done this time around, the experts say, to produce a fairer contest than what was considered a humiliating result for Mr. Kasparov in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

The America's Cup in 2017 will be arguably a fairer contest than it has ever been.

HuffPost

Porfirio Lobo, a conservative who was elected president in a reasonably fair contest five months after the coup, is popular at home.

The Economist

If the emergency rule imposed by him remains in place, it would make a free and fair contest impossible.

The New York Times

The most comprehensive polls, although with huge margins of error, seem to favour Mugabe – even in a free and fair contest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair contest" to emphasize the importance of equal opportunity and unbiased conditions in competitions, elections, or any situation involving multiple participants. For example, when discussing political elections, using "a fair contest" highlights the need for impartial regulations and access for all candidates.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a fair contest" sarcastically or in contexts where the lack of fairness is already evident, as it can diminish the impact of the statement. Instead, describe the specific inequalities or injustices present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair contest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a situation or event where principles of equality and justice are observed. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it commonly refers to competitions or situations where all participants have an equal opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fair contest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe situations where all participants have equal opportunities and unbiased conditions. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across a range of contexts. Its use extends from news and media to sports and politics, emphasizing the need for justice and equity. The related phrases such as "an equitable competition" or "a level playing field" can be used as alternatives to add nuance or variety. Remember to use "a fair contest" where impartiality is crucial and avoid using it sarcastically to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an equitable competition

Emphasizes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants.

an impartial match

Highlights the unbiased nature and lack of favoritism in the competition.

a level playing field

Focuses on creating equal conditions and chances for success.

a just competition

Underscores the moral and ethical fairness of the contest.

an unbiased rivalry

Suggests a competition free from prejudice or preconceived notions.

a balanced game

Highlights the equal distribution of advantages and disadvantages.

a sportsmanlike competition

Highlights the adherence to rules and ethical behavior expected in sports.

a principled battle

Emphasizes the commitment to fairness and integrity throughout the competition.

a square deal

Suggests a fair and honest transaction or agreement, with no hidden advantages.

an even chance

Focuses on providing the same probability of success for each participant.

FAQs

How can I use "a fair contest" in a sentence?

You can use "a fair contest" to describe situations where everyone has an equal chance of winning. For example, "The new regulations ensure "a fair contest" in the upcoming elections".

What are some alternatives to "a fair contest"?

Alternatives include "an equitable competition", "an impartial match", or "a level playing field". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "a fair contest" or "a fair competition"?

Both "a fair contest" and "a fair competition" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuances you want to convey.

What makes "a fair contest" different from "an easy contest"?

"A fair contest" implies equal opportunity and unbiased conditions, whereas "an easy contest" suggests a lack of challenge or difficulty. They are not interchangeable; fairness relates to equity, while easiness relates to difficulty.