be fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to practice fairness and justice, such as in the sentence, "Let's all be fair and share the cookies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just be fair".

The New York Times - Sports

Would that be fair?

The New York Times

No, let's be fair.

The New York Times

We must be fair.

The New York Times - Books

It wouldn't be fair.

The New Yorker

That wouldn't be fair.

The New Yorker

Appear to be fair.

The New Yorker

Let's be fair.

The New York Times

To be fair, "W.E".

The New Yorker

CNN tries to be fair.

The Economist

He wanted to be fair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be fair", ensure that you are also prepared to explain the criteria or standards by which fairness is being judged, as perceptions of fairness can vary.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares your understanding of fairness. Clearly define the principles you are using to ensure equitable treatment or judgment to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fair" functions primarily as an imperative, used to issue a direct command or strong suggestion. It calls for the addressee to act with impartiality, justice, and equity in their dealings or judgments. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is commonly used to advocate for just treatment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fair" serves as an imperative urging impartial and equitable conduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, most notably in news and media and on wikis. Authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and the BBC frequently employ this phrase. To ensure effective communication, define the criteria for fairness, avoiding assumptions about shared standards. Alternatives include "act justly" and "be impartial", each providing nuanced ways to express the need for equity. Use "be fair" to promote ethical behavior and equitable treatment in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure fairness

Stresses the act of making sure that equitable treatment is guaranteed.

treat everyone equally

Stresses the importance of providing the same treatment and opportunities to all individuals.

be impartial

Highlights the importance of not favoring one side or another.

show no favoritism

Directly addresses the avoidance of giving preferential treatment.

act justly

Emphasizes the action of behaving in a morally right and equitable manner.

uphold justice

Emphasizes the importance of supporting and defending moral and legal principles.

apply equal standards

Highlights the importance of using the same criteria for judging all cases.

exercise equity

Focuses on applying principles of fairness and justice to correct imbalances.

maintain objectivity

Focuses on remaining unbiased and impartial in judgment or decision-making.

give a level playing field

Focuses on creating equal opportunities for all participants.

FAQs

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

You can use "be fair" as a direct imperative, such as in "Be fair when judging the competition entries" or as part of a request or suggestion, such as in "Let's "be fair" to everyone involved".

What are some alternatives to saying "be fair"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be impartial", "act justly", or "treat everyone equally" to convey a similar meaning.

What does it mean to "be fair"?

To ""be fair"" means to act justly and impartially, without bias or prejudice. It involves treating everyone equally and considering all perspectives before making a decision.

How does "be fair" differ from "be equal"?

While both relate to justice, ""be fair"" emphasizes impartiality and just treatment based on circumstances, whereas "be equal" implies treating everyone in the exact same way, regardless of their individual needs or situations.