fair and proper

USAGE SUMMARY

"fair and proper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something which is just, right, and appropriate. For example, "The manager conducted the meeting in a fair and proper manner, making sure all employees had a chance to speak their mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He claims that the new law is "fair and proper".

The Economist

It is both fair and proper, in democratic terms, to update boundaries to represent a changing population.

Independent

Among them is the need for a "fair and proper" investigation into the death of Brown, 39, from Ilford, Essex.

The Guardian

Which raises the question: Is it fair and proper to publish a version of a writer's work that the writer withheld?

The New York Times - Books

The Climate Institute welcomed the Australian contribution as "the first step towards fair and proper financial support for poor and vulnerable countries responding to the climate challenge".

The Guardian

Like any large employer, our people leave the university for a variety of reasons and we are committed to fair and proper processes that respect those individuals".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"The fair halls are so clean and proper and without much character that the historical buildings that we have chosen seem like the best contrast," Hoffman explained.

Huffington Post

They could expect fair trials and proper treatment on remand.

The Guardian

"Labour will ensure that people at work get a fair deal and proper protections so they are not forced to be available around the clock, are paid if shifts are cancelled at short notice and are able to demand a full contract if, in practice, they are working regular hours".

The Guardian

My Uncle Gunnar, Dad's younger brother, was a sensible, fair man, decent and proper in all ways, he always had been, of that there was no doubt.

The New Yorker

Gunnar was a sensible, fair man, decent and proper in all ways, he always had been, of that there was no doubt.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fair and proper", ensure the context clearly establishes the standards or principles that define what is considered "fair" and "proper" in that specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "fair and proper" in overly casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler language like "right" or "okay" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair and proper" functions as an adjective phrase to describe a noun, emphasizing that something is both just and in accordance with established standards. Ludwig examples showcase its use in legal, ethical, and procedural contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fair and proper" signifies something that is both equitable and in accordance with established standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "just and equitable" or "reasonable and appropriate" exist, "fair and proper" distinctly emphasizes both justice and adherence to norms. When writing, ensure the context warrants the phrase's level of formality, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Ultimately, "fair and proper" serves to convey assurance that a subject is legitimate, ethical, and adheres to what is deemed right.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just and equitable

Replaces "fair" with "just" and "proper" with "equitable", emphasizing impartiality and fairness.

reasonable and appropriate

Substitutes "fair" with "reasonable" and "proper" with "appropriate", focusing on suitability and rationality.

right and fitting

Emphasizes the moral correctness and suitability of an action or decision.

due and appropriate

Highlights the aspect of something being owed or deserved and also being suitable.

equitable and fitting

Combines the concepts of fairness and suitability, stressing the balanced and appropriate nature of something.

legitimate and correct

Focuses on the lawfulness and accuracy of something.

suitable and ethical

Highlights the appropriateness and moral principles involved.

impartial and correct

Emphasizes unbiased judgment and accuracy.

ethical and appropriate

Focuses on moral correctness and suitability in a given context.

just and suitable

Stresses fairness and the right fit for a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "fair and proper" in a sentence?

Use "fair and proper" to describe actions, processes, or treatments that adhere to principles of justice and appropriateness. For example, "The investigation needs to be conducted in a "thorough manner" that is "fair and proper" to all parties involved".

What are some alternatives to saying "fair and proper"?

You can use alternatives such as "just and equitable", "reasonable and appropriate", or "right and fitting" depending on the specific context.

Is "fair and proper" redundant?

While "fair" and "proper" can overlap in meaning, using them together emphasizes both impartiality and adherence to standards. The phrase is not strictly redundant, but consider whether one word might suffice for clarity.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "fair and proper"?

The phrase "fair and proper" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to stress that something is both equitable and in accordance with established rules, ethics, or customs. Consider using it in formal discussions or when emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct.