be fair to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fair to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of treating someone or something in an impartial way. For example: "It's important to always be fair to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That wouldn't be fair to them.

Independent

Czernin wanted to be fair to Waldheim.

The New Yorker

It wouldn't be fair to Edith.

The New Yorker

To be fair to myself.. .

The Guardian - Books

We're looking to be fair to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

It wouldn't be fair to them".

The New York Times - Magazine

I wanted to be fair to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

"That wouldn't be fair to the workers".

The New York Times

Actually, let's be fair to Walden.

The Guardian - Film

"We try to be fair to him.

The New Yorker

I cannot be fair to RIM".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be fair to", consider the context and ensure that the action you are advocating for truly promotes impartiality and does not inadvertently disadvantage another party.

Common error

Avoid assuming that fairness always means treating everyone the same. Sometimes, "be fair to" requires acknowledging differences and providing differentiated support to ensure equitable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fair to" functions primarily as a directive, urging impartiality and equitable treatment. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional scenarios, supporting its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fair to" is a versatile and commonly used expression that emphasizes the importance of impartiality and equitable treatment. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "be fair to", it's essential to consider the specific context and ensure that actions taken genuinely promote fairness without causing unintended disadvantages. Alternatives such as "treat equitably" or "act justly toward" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unbiased toward

This stresses the absence of prejudice or bias.

exercise fairness toward

This emphasizes the active implementation of fairness.

treat equitably

This phrase directly emphasizes equal treatment in a more formal tone.

show impartiality to

This directly states the act of showing impartiality.

act justly toward

This phrase highlights the moral dimension of fairness and justice.

maintain objectivity with

This highlights the importance of remaining unbiased and objective.

give equal consideration to

This focuses on weighing aspects with impartiality.

provide equal opportunities

This focuses on offering the same chances to everyone involved.

ensure equitable outcomes

This emphasizes achieving fair results or consequences.

consider all sides

This focuses on a balanced evaluation before making a judgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "be fair to" when you want to express the importance of treating someone or something with impartiality. For example, "We must "be fair to" all candidates during the hiring process."

What is a good substitute for the phrase "be fair to"?

Alternatives to "be fair to" include "treat equitably", "act justly toward", or "show impartiality to", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "be fair to" someone or something?

To "be fair to" someone or something means to treat them with impartiality, justice, and without bias. It involves giving them due consideration and ensuring they are not unfairly disadvantaged.

Is it always possible to "be fair to" everyone in every situation?

While the goal is to always "be fair to" everyone, achieving perfect fairness can be challenging due to conflicting interests or limited resources. Striving for impartiality and making informed, unbiased decisions is key.