fair question

USAGE SUMMARY

'fair question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking or responding to a question that requires further insight or elaboration. Example: "Why do you need to know this information?" "That's a fair question. I'm trying to understand the process better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fair question.

The New York Times

That's a fair question.

Forbes

It's a fair question.

The New York Times

It is a fair question.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet a fair question remains.

The Economist

It was a fair question.

The New York Times

Dear Ravi, fair question.

Columbia University

TRUMP: Okay, fair question.

The Washington Post

Refund!" Fair question.

The New York Times

It seemed like a fair question.

The New Yorker

I thought it was a fair question".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fair question", ensure your subsequent answer is thorough and addresses the core concerns raised by the question. Acknowledging the question's fairness implies a commitment to providing a substantive response.

Common error

Avoid using "fair question" dismissively, as a way to brush off a challenging or uncomfortable inquiry. This undermines the phrase's intent and can damage your credibility. Instead, use it genuinely when you recognize the question's relevance and importance.

Linguistic Context

"Fair question" serves as an acknowledgment of the validity or relevance of a query. This phrase is commonly used to transition into a response, indicating that the speaker recognizes the importance or legitimacy of the question. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fair question" is a common and grammatically correct way to acknowledge the validity or relevance of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to transition into a thoughtful response. It is most frequently used in News & Media and academic contexts, and it maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for various settings.

When using "fair question", ensure your response genuinely addresses the concerns raised, avoiding dismissive or sarcastic tones. Alternatives like "valid inquiry" or "reasonable question" can be used for variety, but the key is to recognize and respect the merit of the question being asked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid inquiry

Emphasizes the legitimacy and appropriateness of the question.

legitimate question

Highlights the lawfulness and acceptability of the question.

reasonable question

Indicates the question is logical and not excessive.

pertinent question

Stresses that the question is directly relevant to the matter at hand.

relevant question

Similar to 'pertinent question', focusing on the question's applicability.

justified question

Suggests there is a good reason or basis for asking the question.

appropriate question

Highlights that the question is suitable for the given context or situation.

understandable question

Conveys that the question is easily comprehended and expected.

pointed question

Implies the question is direct and addresses a key issue.

good question

A general acknowledgment that the question is insightful or valuable.

FAQs

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

You can use "fair question" to acknowledge that someone has asked a valid or reasonable question, typically before answering it. For example, "Why should we invest in this project? That's a "fair question". Let me explain the potential returns."

What are some alternatives to saying "fair question"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "valid inquiry", "reasonable question", or "legitimate question".

Is it always appropriate to respond with "fair question"?

While generally acceptable, responding with "fair question" is most appropriate when the inquiry is genuinely relevant and deserves a thoughtful response. Avoid using it sarcastically or dismissively.

What's the difference between "fair question" and "good question"?

"Fair question" acknowledges the validity or relevance of the inquiry, while "good question" suggests the inquiry is insightful or clever. A "good question" might not always be fair, and vice versa.