a fair size of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair size of" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It can be used informally to describe something that is reasonably large or significant, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "The garden has a fair size of flowers blooming this spring."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their mechanism implies that determining a reasonable size of financial obligations of LIC governments entails that what remains is a fair size of HIC obligation.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

All three of the states that vote today are of a fair size, and they will each send lots of delegates to the convention: Colorado, thirty-six; Minnesota, forty, Missouri, fifty-two.

The New Yorker

For a long time, it's been possible to comfort ourselves that the trend reflected the insanity of the London housing market, where a fair size shed in the right part of the capital can fetch half a million.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've seen some footage of James and he's certainly a fair size," said new Rovers coach Craig Sandercock.

BBC

Last August "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first of Peter Jackson's three films, was released on DVD with a fair-size list of extras.

The New York Times

WINE AND BEER There is a fair-size selection of Portuguese wines.

The New York Times

No fat cruiser with a fairing the size of a small boat, saddlebags and rear carrier large enough for a wardrobe, stereo, cruise control, some very small dog in a kennel strapped to the back.

Huffington Post

Many fragments of mud seals were found (twenty of fair size).

Harvard University

The lobby was of fair size, but the outer vestibule was so narrow that two people had trouble passing; you could have held off Napoleon's army.

The New York Times

Transmission electron microscope images indicated the nanosized and spherical shape of the LPHNPs with fair size distribution.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

The Greeks had a fair idea of the size of the Earth and the distance to the moon, and so did the medievals who read their work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "a fair size of" is understandable, consider using stronger and more common alternatives like "a considerable size of" or "a reasonable size of" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "fair" when describing size. Explore synonyms to provide more precise and vivid descriptions. For instance, instead of "a fair size garden", consider "a spacious garden" or "a sizable garden."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair size of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating the quantity or dimensions are reasonably large. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing the size of financial obligations, physical dimensions, or selections of items.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair size of" is used to describe something that is reasonably large or significant. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not the most grammatically correct or frequently used phrase. Consider alternatives like ""a considerable size"" or "a reasonable size" for clearer and more impactful writing. While understandable, the phrase may lack the precision needed in formal contexts. The usage analysis shows that it appears more frequently in news and media, suggesting a more neutral register. Therefore, when aiming for clarity and precision, especially in formal or professional settings, choosing a more common and grammatically standard alternative is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable size

Indicates that the size is within acceptable limits or expectations.

a considerable size

Replaces "fair" with "considerable", emphasizing the magnitude or importance of the size.

a substantial size

Emphasizes the largeness or significance of the size using "substantial".

an appreciable size

Highlights that the size is noticeable or significant.

a decent size

Uses "decent" instead of "fair", suggesting an adequate or respectable size.

a respectable size

Implies that the size is worthy of admiration or recognition.

a noteworthy size

Emphasizes that the size is remarkable or deserving of attention.

a sizable amount

Shifts the focus to quantity rather than dimension, using "amount" instead of "size".

a goodly size

Replaces "fair" with the more archaic "goodly", implying a pleasing or ample size.

a tidy size

Uses "tidy" to suggest that the size is neat and well-proportioned.

FAQs

What does "a fair size of" mean?

The phrase "a fair size of" generally means a reasonably large or significant quantity or dimension. However, it's not the most common or grammatically elegant way to express this idea.

What can I say instead of "a fair size of"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable size", "a decent size", or "a sizable amount" depending on the context.

Is "a fair size of" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a fair size of" is not considered the most grammatically correct or standard English. It's often better to opt for more precise and commonly used alternatives.

How can I use "a fair size of" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company has allocated a fair size of its budget to marketing." However, using "a significant portion" would be clearer and more professional.