fair it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair it was" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat archaic or poetic.
You can use it in contexts that require a more formal or literary tone, often to express that something was just or equitable. Example: "In the end, after much deliberation, we concluded that fair it was to grant her the award she so richly deserved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(To be fair, it was around lunchtime).

The New York Times

To be fair, it was out of season and drizzling.

The Guardian - Travel

To be fair, it was a really hot day.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To be fair, it was hard to tell.

The Guardian - Tech

(To be fair, it was written when she was 18).

The New York Times - Arts

But to be fair, it was also understandable, and very civil.

The New York Times

TO BE fair, it was not entirely their own fault the first time round.

The Economist

(He told Vanity Fair, "It was like watching somebody fuck your wife with a bigger dick").

The New Yorker

To be fair, it was a very good corner - I haven't seen anything like it before.

The Guardian - Sport

Although to be fair it was quite chilly last night in Blomefontein.

The Guardian - Sport

To be fair, it was the first episode; they'd just met each other and the cameras.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "fair it was" when aiming for a formal, somewhat archaic, or literary tone. It is suitable for settings where a sense of justice or equity needs emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "fair it was" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase sounds out of place in contemporary settings, where more direct phrasing is preferred. Instead, opt for alternatives like "it was fair" or "that was fair".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair it was" functions as a subject complement or predicate adjective, emphasizing the quality of fairness of a preceding action, decision, or situation. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct in written English, but archaic or poetic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fair it was" is a grammatically correct but somewhat archaic way of expressing that something was just or equitable. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English, albeit with a formal or poetic tone. Analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and prevalent across authoritative sources, its register leans toward formality, making it less suitable for casual settings. For more contemporary contexts, alternatives like "it was fair" are advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just it was

Replaces "fair" with "just", maintaining the archaic structure and meaning.

equitable it was

Substitutes "fair" with "equitable", emphasizing impartiality.

it was indeed fair

Inverts the structure for emphasis, making it sound less archaic.

it was fair, indeed

Adds "indeed" for emphasis, while maintaining a standard sentence structure.

a fair outcome it was

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the outcome's fairness.

it was a fair decision

Restructures the phrase to focus on the decision's fairness.

the decision was fair

Presents a more common and straightforward sentence structure.

it seemed fair

Introduces uncertainty by adding "seemed", altering the assertion's strength.

the process was fair

Shifts focus to the fairness of the process, not just the outcome.

it was understandably fair

Highlights the understandable nature of the fairness, implying justification.

FAQs

How can I use "fair it was" in a sentence?

Use "fair it was" to express a sense of justice or equity, particularly in formal or literary contexts. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, fair it was to conclude his innocence."

What are some alternatives to "fair it was"?

Alternatives include "just it was", "equitable it was", or simply "it was fair" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "fair it was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "fair it was" is grammatically correct, although it is an archaic or poetic construction. It might sound unusual in modern, everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "fair it was"?

It's appropriate to use "fair it was" in contexts where you want to create a formal, slightly old-fashioned tone, such as in historical fiction or formal speeches. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing before using it.