fair ladies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair ladies" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts that evoke a sense of chivalry, romance, or historical settings. An example could be: "The knight bowed before the fair ladies of the court." Alternative expressions include "graceful women," "elegant ladies," or "lovely women."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Des Keogh plays George Bernard Shaw in My Fair Ladies at the Lyric in Belfast.

The Guardian

Sunday at 7 30 p.m., "Fair Ladies at a Game of Poem Cards," by Peter Oswald.

The New York Times - Arts

So, fair ladies of North Carolina, arm yourselves with slang; else you might indeed be beset by rogues (sketchballs, creepers, &c).

The New Yorker

MCCARTER THEATER CENTER "Fair Ladies at a Game of Poem Cards," fairy tale adapted from the 18th-century puppet play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon.

The New York Times

It is simply not fair, ladies and gentlemen, to change the rules, either in the middle of the game or after the game has been played.

The New York Times

So, fair ladies of North Carolina, arm yourselves with slang; else you might indeed be beset by rogues (sketchballs, creepers, &c).. Sign up for the daily newsletter.Sign up for the daily newsletter: the best of The New Yorker every day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

(Answer: "My Fair Lady").

The New York Times

Elizabeth Taylor, "My Fair Lady" — eleven.

The New Yorker

3: "My Fair Lady".

The New York Times - Arts

June 29-July 15: "My Fair Lady".

The New York Times - Arts

Elizabeth Taylor, "My Fair Lady"—eleven.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair ladies" when aiming for a slightly archaic or romantic tone. It is particularly effective in historical fiction or when referencing traditional social settings.

Common error

Avoid using "fair ladies" in contemporary contexts where it may sound overly formal or out of place. Modern language usually favors more direct and less embellished terms like "women" or "ladies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair ladies" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a group of women, often with a connotation of beauty or grace. Ludwig examples show the term used in various contexts, from historical references to modern commentary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair ladies" is a grammatically sound phrase that evokes a sense of traditional admiration. While examples from Ludwig indicate frequent use in the news and media, its slightly archaic tone may not always be suitable for modern contexts, as explained by Ludwig AI. Consider more direct alternatives like "beautiful women" or "elegant women" to modernize your language. Ultimately, understanding the phrase's register and appropriate context is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beautiful women

Focuses solely on physical attractiveness, omitting the archaic or chivalrous connotation.

lovely women

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different nuance of charm and appeal.

charming women

Highlights the appealing and delightful nature of the women.

elegant women

Emphasizes sophistication and grace in the women's demeanor.

gracious women

Highlights the courteous and benevolent qualities of the women.

refined women

Stresses the women's cultured and well-mannered nature.

noble women

Suggests high social standing or moral character.

women of grace

Rephrases the concept, emphasizing elegance and poise.

ladies of distinction

Implies that the women are notable or eminent.

fine women

Emphasizes the admirable or high-quality nature of the women.

FAQs

How can I use "fair ladies" in a sentence?

You can use "fair ladies" to refer to a group of women, especially when aiming for a traditional, romantic, or slightly archaic tone. For example: "The knight bowed before the "fair ladies" of the court."

What is the origin of the phrase "fair ladies"?

The term "fair" in ""fair ladies"" traditionally refers to beauty or attractiveness. It evokes a sense of chivalry and was commonly used in earlier periods of literature and social discourse.

What can I say instead of "fair ladies"?

You can use alternatives like "beautiful women", "lovely women", or "elegant women depending on the context. These alternatives are more commonly used in contemporary language.

Is "fair ladies" appropriate for modern writing?

While grammatically correct, ""fair ladies"" might sound overly formal or archaic in contemporary writing. Consider the tone and context of your piece. In many cases, more direct terms like "women" or "ladies" are preferable.