almost fair

USAGE SUMMARY

'almost fair' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that are similar, but not entirely alike. For example: "The exam questions were almost fair, but there were still a couple that could be considered too difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It would be almost fair to say I wasn't really there.

The New Yorker

Max rises to the defense in a flap over English rights, but only to defend the owner: "What happened was wholly my fault.... What I am concerned about is that you should get so totally wrong an impression of Mr. Scribner who is quixotically, almost, fair and true and considerate.

The New York Times - Books

The correlation coefficient (0.24) for skeletal muscles indicated an almost fair relationship with B-glucose, corresponding to an R2 of 0.06.

EJNMMI Research

"We need a lot of power to be able to discuss on an almost fair level with the Berlusconi government," he says.

Science Magazine

I feel for people who don't watch "Girls," there seems to be a misconception or almost fair or unfair stigma about that show.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, for some growers participation to these fairs has become too expensive: "We used to participate in almost every fair, but nowadays that costs so much money that we limit ourselves to the most important fairs" (farmer interview).

Agricultural and Food Economics

"The proceedings are almost excruciatingly fair," said Geoffrey Robertson, a London-based lawyer who has just been selected to head the new special court for war crimes in Sierra Leone.

The New York Times

"Great shooting, great passing, a small-ball 'nuclear lineup' – it's almost not fair.

The Guardian - Sport

Though at a summary judgment stage, the court almost resolved fair use claims in favor of Equals Three.

Harvard University

"I compare it to almost a fair catch, when a guy's punting a ball," Bochy said.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, the design is so great, it's almost not fair that it's such a loser of a camcorder.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost fair", ensure the context clarifies what aspect is lacking in fairness. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "almost fair" when the situation is blatantly unfair. The phrase implies a close approximation to fairness, so using it in contexts where the inequity is significant can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost fair" functions as an adverbial modifier to the adjective "fair". According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase. It describes a situation or action that approaches fairness but doesn't fully achieve it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost fair" serves as a nuanced descriptor for situations that approach, but don't quite achieve, complete fairness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using "almost fair", it's important to clarify the specific aspects that fall short of true fairness to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "nearly equitable" or "somewhat justifiable" can be used depending on the context. It is important to consider that the context should be indeed "almost fair" and not plainly unfair. It should be used carefully and precisely in order to convey an accurate representation of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly equitable

Emphasizes the approximation of fairness in terms of equity.

virtually just

Highlights that the situation approaches justice but doesn't fully achieve it.

practically unbiased

Indicates a state that is close to being without bias.

borderline reasonable

Suggests that the situation is just on the edge of being considered reasonable.

approaching impartiality

Focuses on the movement toward a state of impartiality.

somewhat justifiable

Suggests a degree of justification, though not complete.

fair, to a degree

Directly acknowledges the presence of fairness, but with limitations.

marginally fair

Emphasizes the slight or minimal degree of fairness.

close to balanced

Highlights that a state of balance is nearly achieved.

nearing equitable

Similar to "nearly equitable", but emphasizes the process of becoming equitable.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost fair" to describe a situation that has some elements of fairness but isn't completely equitable. For example, "The judge's decision was "almost fair", but some felt the sentence was too lenient."

What phrases can I use instead of "almost fair"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nearly equitable", "virtually just", or "somewhat justifiable" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "almost fair" or "partially fair"?

Both phrases indicate incomplete fairness, but ""almost fair"" suggests a closer approximation to complete fairness than "partially fair". The choice depends on the degree of fairness you want to emphasize.

In what contexts is "almost fair" most appropriate?

"Almost fair" is most appropriate in contexts where there's an attempt at impartiality or equity, but some factors prevent complete fairness. This could include legal proceedings, resource allocation, or competitive events.