fair play

USAGE SUMMARY

"fair play" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom referring to the concept of fairness, typically in a competitive environment. For example: "Even though his team lost the competition, we have to give him credit for playing fair--it was a great example of fair play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fair Play?

Columbia University

Is turnabout fair play?

The New York Times - Books

Fair play between brothers.

The New York Times - Books

stood for "fair play".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Respect for Fair Play.

The New York Times - Sports

Fair play died.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's fair play.

The New York Times

Fair play to Big Sam.

Independent

Americans believe in fair play.

The New York Times

Bye! Fair play @shrewsweb.

The Guardian - Sport

What constitutes fair play?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fair play", consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. While generally positive, its interpretation can vary slightly depending on the situation.

Common error

Don't limit "fair play" solely to sports contexts. While common in sports, it applies to business, politics, and personal interactions where ethical conduct and equitable treatment are important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair play" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the abstract concept of just and equitable behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, it's an idiom focusing on fairness, often within competition. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in expressing respect for adherence to rules and ethical principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair play" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase signifying ethical conduct, respect for rules, and equitable treatment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's an idiom used primarily in competitive settings, though its application extends beyond sports to encompass various aspects of life, including business and politics. This analysis, supported by numerous examples from credible sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its common usage and underscores its importance in advocating for and acknowledging just behavior. Remember to use it to encourage ethical conduct and admire others' achievements. Also, don't limit its application to sports. Use alternatives like "sportsmanship" or "fairness" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairness

Highlights the quality of being equitable and just.

sportsmanship

Focuses specifically on ethical behavior in sports or competitive environments.

justice

Emphasizes the moral correctness and impartiality of treatment or outcome.

impartiality

Highlights the lack of bias and equal treatment of all parties involved.

ethical conduct

Stresses adherence to moral principles and professional standards.

honesty

Focuses on truthfulness and integrity in actions and communications.

integrity

Emphasizes the adherence to moral and ethical principles.

level playing field

Highlights equal opportunity and the absence of unfair advantages.

equal opportunity

Emphasizes providing the same chances and prospects to everyone.

rule abiding

Stresses the importance of following established regulations and guidelines.

FAQs

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

"Fair play" is used to describe behavior that is honest, just, and respectful of the rules. For example, "Despite the intense competition, both teams demonstrated "fair play" throughout the tournament".

What does "fair play to someone" mean?

Saying "fair play to someone" is an expression of admiration or respect for their achievement or conduct, often in a competitive situation. For example, "Fair play to the winner for their hard work and dedication".

Which is correct, "fair play" or "foul play"?

"Fair play" refers to honest and ethical behavior, while "foul play" indicates dishonest or illegal actions, often involving violence or deception.

What are some synonyms for "fair play"?

Alternatives to "fair play" include "sportsmanship", "fairness", "integrity", and "ethical conduct", depending on the specific context.