fair prospect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair prospect of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or potential for a positive outcome in a situation. Example: "There is a fair prospect of success if we continue to work diligently on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Snorting at a colonial governor's promise that "the fair Prospect of the security of your country [was now] being settled upon the most sure and lasting foundation," Adams nailed the hapless blowhard for double tautology ("the security, being secured upon secure foundations"), a classic instance of words being used "mearly for sound".

The New Yorker

When still outside Parliament, he made a television programme in which he lured a guileless Mr Hague up a windswept mountain and asked him on camera a question that went something like: "Of course I know what a strong leader you are, William, but how come nobody else sees it?"All these things argue strongly for Mr Portillo to seize his chance after the election, with a fair prospect of victory.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The World Bridge Federation is making a strong effort, with fair prospects of success, for the game to be included in the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, in 2006.

The New York Times - Arts

Most bridge players go through life without ever having the good fortune of picking up a "hand of a lifetime". This sort of hand offers fair prospects of making 13 tricks opposite a yarborough.

The New York Times - Style

Judge Cooke ruled that there was "at least a reasonable prospect" of Hook proving that he is not getting a fair share of royalties and other income.

The Guardian - Music

Situated near the mouth of the Wittenoom Gorge, against the backdrop of the Hamersley Ranges on the fringe of the Karijini national park, Wittenoom is a fair prospect.

The Guardian

Now, it's suddenly like we've been thrown back to the authoritarian, paranoid, repressive days of Suharto". Pamuntjak is unsure why this might be, but perhaps the presence of more than 70 Indonesians at the Frankfurt book fair and the prospect of international attention for its literary stars is creating nervousness among those who would prefer Indonesia's past to remain hidden.

The Guardian - Books

So great is the lure of art fairs, with their prospect of steep sales, that their numbers are growing even as the cost of participation is rising.

The New York Times

Arianna was discussing the matter with a panel of guests that included Gloria Borger and Kevin Madden, both of whom -- while skeptical -- asked very tough-minded but fair questions about the prospect of Biden resigning under protest, and what of value could be gained by such an act.

Huffington Post

Chinese workers marched out on strike at a Honda parts supplier today as the swelling wave of labour unrest in the workshop of the world raised the prospect of fairer wages for local employees and an end to cheap products for western consumers.

The Guardian - Business

Bergdahl's attorneys have argued that prospective Republican nominee Donald Trump in particular has "materially threatened" the prospect of a fair trial by making repeated "defamatory" statements about Bergdahl to the media and while speaking on the stump.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair prospect of" to introduce a moderately optimistic outlook, especially when tempering expectations. It suggests a reasonable chance of success without overpromising.

Common error

Avoid using "fair prospect of" when the outcome is highly certain. This phrase implies a level of uncertainty, so choose stronger terms like "guaranteed" or "assured" if the outcome is virtually guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair prospect of" functions as an introductory element that presents a viewpoint or an expectation. It typically precedes a noun or noun phrase, setting the stage for an evaluation of a situation or potential outcome, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fair prospect of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a reasonable chance of a positive outcome. While it is relatively rare, according to Ludwig's analysis, its use is generally appropriate in neutral to professional contexts, such as news reporting and formal communication. The phrase serves to introduce a balanced assessment, acknowledging potential positive outcomes without overstating certainty. As Ludwig AI suggests, you can use alternatives like "good chance of" or "reasonable likelihood of" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid using it in situations where the outcome is highly certain, as this phrase inherently implies a degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good chance of

Emphasizes the probability of a positive outcome; slightly more direct than "fair prospect of".

reasonable likelihood of

Highlights the plausibility of something occurring, suggesting a logical basis for the expectation.

realistic possibility of

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of an event or outcome, grounding the expectation in reality.

distinct probability of

Suggests a clear and noticeable chance, indicating the outcome is easily perceived as likely.

encouraging outlook for

Highlights the positive aspects of a future situation, implying a favorable expectation.

promising outlook for

Similar to 'encouraging outlook', but emphasizes the potential for future success or improvement.

hopeful anticipation of

Suggests a blend of desire and expectation, highlighting a positive feeling about a future event.

credible expectation of

Implies a reliable and trustworthy basis for the anticipated outcome, suggesting it's likely to occur.

conceivable anticipation of

Implies an expectation of something that is possible or imaginable. Useful in a wider range of contexts.

viable possibility of

Highlights the feasibility and workability of a future outcome, suggesting it's achievable under current conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "fair prospect of" in a sentence?

You can use "fair prospect of" to indicate a reasonable, but not guaranteed, chance of a positive outcome. For example, "There's a fair prospect of the project being completed on time if we maintain our current pace."

What's a similar phrase to "fair prospect of"?

Alternatives include "good chance of", "reasonable likelihood of", or "realistic possibility of", each suggesting a similar degree of potential success.

Is it always appropriate to use "fair prospect of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable in formal writing, consider the specific context. In highly formal or technical contexts, a more precise term might be preferable. However, "fair prospect of" is suitable for most professional and academic writing.

How does "fair prospect of" differ from "high probability of"?

"Fair prospect of" suggests a moderate chance of success, whereas "high probability of" implies a much stronger likelihood. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.