but not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a contrast or disagreement regarding fairness in a situation or decision. Example: "I understand the reasoning behind the decision, but not fair to those who worked harder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Easy but not fair.

The New York Times - Books

The referendum was free but not fair.

The New York Times

"They are competitive, but not fair".

The Guardian

Sure, it still has free elections, but not fair ones.

The Washington Post

"I think the election will be free but not fair".

The Guardian

"That's not only not right, but not fair".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But that's not fair.

The New York Times

Perhaps not but sport is not fair.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's not fair either to blame all teachers".

The New York Times

But that's not fair to these guys.

The New York Times - Sports

"I admit defeat but it was not fair play.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not fair", ensure the context clearly establishes what standard of fairness is being violated. This adds precision and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "but not fair" as a knee-jerk reaction in emotionally charged situations. Consider whether more specific language (e.g., "discriminatory", "unjust", "biased") would better convey the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not fair" functions as a conjunctional phrase, typically used to express contrast or disagreement with a preceding statement or situation. It implies that while something might appear acceptable on the surface, it lacks fundamental fairness. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not fair" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for expressing qualified disagreement or criticism. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within news and media contexts, where it's used to dissect situations that appear acceptable on the surface but lack fundamental fairness. While straightforward, it's vital to ensure clarity about the standard of fairness being invoked and to avoid overuse in overly emotional contexts, opting instead for more specific, descriptive language when appropriate. Considering alternatives like "but unjust" or "but inequitable" can also enhance the precision and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free but unjust

Mirrors the structure, emphasizing the injustice despite apparent freedom.

unequal though

Replaces "not fair" with a more direct synonym for inequity.

though unjust

Replaces "not fair" with "unjust", highlighting a lack of moral rightness.

inequitable however

Substitutes "not fair" with the term "inequitable", emphasizing a lack of evenness.

yet skewed

Highlights the presence of bias or distortion.

imbalanced despite

Emphasizes the lack of balance or proportion as the primary issue.

legal but unethical

Highlights the conflict between legality and ethical considerations.

allowed but immoral

Emphasizes the conflict between allowance and moral considerations.

within the rules but cruel

Emphasizes the cold-hearted of actions.

formally correct but rotten

Emphasizes something is rotten despite of its formal correction.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "but not fair"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "but inequitable" or "but unjust" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

How can I use "but not fair" in a sentence about competition?

You might say, "The competition was well-organized, "but not fair" due to the unequal access to resources for some participants."

What's the difference between "but not fair" and "but not equal"?

"But not fair" implies a violation of principles of justice or equity, while "but not equal" simply indicates a lack of equality, without necessarily implying injustice.

Is it always appropriate to use "but not fair" in professional settings?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In some cases, more specific terms like "but biased" or "but discriminatory" might be more effective in professional communication.