fair share

USAGE SUMMARY

"fair share" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means one's portion in a group activity, or the portion an individual should accept. For example: "Everyone needs to do their fair share of the work if we want this project to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I did my fair share.

Independent

"We have never gotten our fair share".

The New York Times

Glasgow has more than its fair share.

The Economist

A fair share of newfangled revenue.

The New Yorker

They need to pay their fair share.

The New York Times

Are you contributing your fair share?

The New Yorker

We've done our fair share".

The New York Times

We do our fair share!

The Guardian - Music

"We've given our fair share, and more.

The New York Times

Cisco has had its fair share of security embarrassments recently.

Infosecurity Today

Generally, testing is initially allocated its fair share of time.

VB.net Developer's Guide Developer's Guide

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for contributions, use "fair share" to underscore the ethical obligation of individuals or entities to contribute equitably to a common goal.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "fair share" always means equal distribution. Fairness often depends on context, individual capacity, and prior contributions. Clarify the criteria used to determine what constitutes a "fair share" in specific situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair share" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it describes a proportional or equitable allocation, fitting within various grammatical structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fair share" signifies an equitable portion, frequently used to advocate for justice in contribution or distribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While the concept of fairness is context-dependent, understanding the nuances and potential for misinterpretation is essential. Alternatives like "equitable portion" or "just allocation" offer similar meanings, yet may emphasize different aspects of equity. By considering the specific situation and clearly defining what constitutes a "fair share", communicators can effectively promote equitable outcomes and avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equitable portion

Replaces "fair" with "equitable", emphasizing justice and impartiality in distribution.

equitable distribution

Emphasizes the equal and unbiased dispersal of resources or responsibilities.

just allocation

Focuses on the fairness of the distribution process, using "just" to highlight ethical considerations.

proportional responsibility

Highlights the alignment of responsibility with the capacity or involvement of each party.

reasonable contribution

Shifts the focus to what is appropriate to give, using "reasonable" to imply moderation and balance.

due portion

Highlights what is owed or deserved, using "due" to suggest a rightful claim.

deserved allocation

Focuses on the idea that the portion is earned or merited, using "deserved" to convey entitlement.

appropriate amount

Generalizes the concept of share to a quantity that fits the circumstances, using "appropriate" for suitability.

reasonable expectation

Shifts the focus to what is considered a rational and justifiable anticipation of benefit.

appropriate commitment

Highlights the idea of dedicating an amount that is fitting or suitable for the task.

FAQs

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

You can use "fair share" to describe an equitable portion of something, such as "Everyone should contribute their fair share of the work", or "The wealthy should pay their fair share of taxes".

What is another way to say "fair share"?

Alternatives to "fair share" include "equitable portion", "just allocation", or "reasonable contribution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always fair to demand a "fair share"?

While "fair share" implies equity, the definition of fairness can be subjective and context-dependent. It's essential to define what constitutes a "fair share" in each situation, considering factors like capacity, prior contributions, and the specific goals.

What's the difference between "fair share" and "equal share"?

"Equal share" implies that everyone receives the same amount, regardless of their circumstances. "Fair share", on the other hand, suggests that the amount received should be proportionate to factors like need, contribution, or ability. It acknowledges that equal distribution may not always be equitable.