a fair game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or competition that is equitable and just, where all participants have an equal chance of success. Example: "In a fair game, both teams have the same resources and opportunities to win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Racing was designed to be a fair game, and fairness and fair play will only be restored when the current pre-race medication practices are by and large rescinded.

The New York Times

It prompted Rawls to emphasize autonomy and fairness, leading him to the analogy between a just society and a fair game.

Johns Hopkins University

It's a fair game.

The Washington Post

"I think it was a fair game.

Independent

A fair game is a fair game whatever the size of the wager.

Stanford University

Let's play a fair game," he said.

The New York Times

It is by no means a fair game".

Independent

A fair game; mathematical expectation and the properties of the mean.

Yale University

There are four possible outcomes, each equally likely in a fair game of chance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For recreation he likes swimming and tennis, and plays a fair game of darts.

The New Yorker

"This is a fair game; they play, they lose," he said of his captors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair game" to emphasize that all participants have an equal opportunity to succeed. This is particularly useful in discussions about sports, business, or social issues where fairness is a key concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a fair game" to describe situations where inherent advantages or disadvantages exist, even if the rules are applied equally. Fairness requires not just equal application of rules, but also a level playing field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair game" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a situation or contest characterized by equitable rules and opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies that every participant has an equal chance of success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fair game" is a commonly used expression to describe a situation where all participants have an equal chance of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes equity and justice in a competitive environment. Its usage spans across various contexts, with news and media being the most frequent, followed by academia and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is crucial to ensure that the situation being described truly offers a level playing field. Remember that fairness extends beyond just applying rules equally; it requires addressing inherent advantages or disadvantages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a level playing field

This alternative emphasizes equal opportunities and conditions for all participants.

an even playing field

Similar to "a level playing field", it highlights the balance and lack of unfair advantages.

equitable competition

Focuses on the fairness and justice within the competitive environment.

a just contest

Highlights the righteousness and impartiality of the competition.

impartial proceedings

Emphasizes the unbiased nature of the process or event.

a balanced competition

Suggests that the competing parties have similar strengths and weaknesses.

a sportsmanlike conduct

Highlights ethical and fair behavior during a game, not necessarily fair conditions.

honest rivalry

Focuses on the integrity and ethical nature of the competition.

an unbiased process

Highlights the lack of prejudice or favoritism in the process.

ethical competition

Highlights that every player should follow high ethical standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fair game" to describe a situation where everyone has an equal chance, such as, "The new regulations are designed to ensure "a fair game" for all competitors."

What are some alternatives to "a fair game"?

Some alternatives to "a fair game" include "a level playing field", "an even playing field", or "equitable competition".

What does it mean when someone says something isn't "a fair game"?

When someone says something isn't "a fair game", they mean that the situation is biased or that some participants have an unfair advantage. This could be due to unequal resources, biased rules, or other factors that create an imbalance.

Is "a fair game" always related to sports?

No, "a fair game" is not always related to sports. While it's commonly used in sports contexts, it can also apply to business, politics, or any situation where people are competing and the concept of fairness is relevant.