compete fairly

USAGE SUMMARY

"compete fairly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a competition between two or more parties. For example: "The teams agreed to compete fairly and put in their best efforts to win the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every firm, every business, and you compete fairly.

The New Yorker

MAKING sure companies compete fairly is a tricky business.

The Economist

We will continue to compete fairly and lead this industry as we always have".

The New York Times

"Competition policy should ensure Australian businesses can compete fairly in the global marketplace".

The Guardian - Books

Hopefully, through pressure and negotiation, Beijing will agree to compete fairly and play by international rules.

The Washington Post

"It's not about farmers whingeing, we want to be able to compete fairly.

The Guardian

It is time to finish the job.With zero tariffs, the manufacturing sectors of developing countries could compete fairly.

The Economist

This includes lowering business rates and supporting energy efficiency and anti-dumping cases so we can compete fairly".

The Guardian - Business

It undermines the ability of African countries - for whom cotton could employ millions more people - to compete fairly.

The Guardian

Greece's protest contends that Ismail "did not compete fairly, as can be seen clearly in the videotape".

The New York Times - Sports

Beyond that, what we need is a level playing field that enables energy providers to compete fairly with one another.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for "competing fairly", clarify the specific rules or standards that constitute fairness in your context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone has the same understanding of "fairness". Always specify what constitutes "competing fairly" within your specific context to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete fairly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed in a manner that adheres to established rules and ethical standards. Ludwig shows it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compete fairly" is widely used to denote engaging in a contest or rivalry while adhering to established rules and ethical standards. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to formal business and academic discussions. The phrase is considered grammatically correct, and it's vital to clearly define what "fairness" entails within specific situations to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "play fair" or "compete ethically" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "compete fairly" is a common and essential expression for promoting integrity in any competitive environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play fair

This alternative is more concise and informal, often used in everyday contexts.

compete ethically

This alternative emphasizes the moral aspect of competition, highlighting adherence to ethical principles.

maintain fair competition

This alternative highlights the need to sustain fairness over time, suitable in business and regulatory contexts.

ensure a level playing field

This alternative focuses on creating equal opportunities for all participants, often used in policy discussions.

observe fair practices

This alternative is used to ensure fair practices are observed.

act with integrity

This alternative focuses on having strong moral principles.

follow the rules of engagement

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adhering to established guidelines, often used in professional settings.

engage in honest rivalry

This emphasizes integrity.

strive for equitable competition

This alternative emphasizes striving for parity.

conduct business fairly

This alternative focus on business.

FAQs

How can I use "compete fairly" in a sentence?

You can use "compete fairly" to describe situations where individuals or entities engage in a contest or rivalry while adhering to established rules and ethical standards. For example, "The companies agreed to "compete fairly" in the marketplace."

What does it mean to "compete fairly"?

To "compete fairly" means to engage in a contest or rivalry with honesty, integrity, and adherence to established rules and ethical standards. It implies avoiding cheating, deception, or any other unfair practices that could give one party an unjust advantage.

Which is correct, "compete fairly" or "compete fairly with each other"?

"Compete fairly" is generally sufficient and implies competition among multiple parties. Adding "with each other" is redundant but not grammatically incorrect. The simpler form, ""compete fairly"", is usually preferred for its conciseness.

What are some synonyms for "compete fairly"?

Some synonyms for "compete fairly" include "play fair", "compete ethically", and "ensure a level playing field". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.