are not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, actions, or decisions that lack justice or equity. Example: "The rules of the game are not fair, as they favor one team over the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are not fair.

The New York Times

The optics are not fair.

The Economist

These policies are not fair".

The New York Times

"Newspaper reviews are not fair," he said.

The New York Times

But what if the rules are not fair?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those assumptions are not fair to any athlete".

The Guardian - Sport

Because if we are not fair, we hurt someone.

The New York Times

Certainly goalies are not fair game, and players have to understand that".

The New York Times - Sports

They are not fair to everybody," said Singh who immigrated from India 14 years ago.

The Guardian

The district court concluded that Napster users are not fair users.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These are not fair-weather Hazlitteans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not fair", ensure the context clearly specifies what standard of fairness is being violated. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "are not fair" without specifying who or what is affected. Clearly identify the impacted parties or aspects to prevent ambiguity and strengthen your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not fair" functions as a predicate adjective expressing a judgment about the lack of fairness, equity, or justice in a given situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not fair" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for indicating a lack of justice, equity, or impartiality. Ludwig confirms its validity across various contexts. It is frequently employed in news and media, as well as scientific and academic discussions. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify the affected parties or aspects when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "are unjust" or "are inequitable" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase's widespread use and authoritative sourcing underscore its reliability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Are unjust

Focuses directly on the lack of justice, implying a moral wrong.

Are inequitable

Highlights the lack of equality or fairness in distribution or opportunity.

Are not equitable

Mirrors "are inequitable" but with a slightly different emphasis.

Are not impartial

Directly addresses the lack of neutrality or objectivity.

Are biased

Emphasizes prejudice or favoritism, suggesting a lack of impartiality.

Are discriminatory

Focuses on the act of treating someone or a group differently and unfairly.

Are unbalanced

Suggests a lack of equilibrium or proportional distribution.

Are unethical

Highlights the violation of moral principles or standards.

Are skewed

Implies that something is distorted or not accurately represented.

Are unwarranted

Highlights that there's no legitimate base or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "are not fair" in a sentence?

You can use "are not fair" to express that something lacks justice, equity, or impartiality. For example, "The rules of this competition "are not fair" because they favor one group over another".

What are some alternatives to "are not fair"?

Some alternatives include "are unjust", "are inequitable", or "are biased". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are not fair"?

It's appropriate when describing situations, decisions, or systems that do not treat everyone equally or justly. It's often used to highlight a perceived imbalance or lack of impartiality.

What's the difference between "are not fair" and "are unjust"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of righteousness, "are not fair" often refers to a lack of equality or balance, whereas "are unjust" typically implies a more severe violation of moral principles or laws.