fairly solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is reasonably strong, reliable, or well-founded, often in a subjective context. Example: "The team's fairly solid performance this season has impressed the fans and management alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We looked fairly solid.

Independent

That's based on fairly solid physics.

Columbia University

At least one of Mr. Landrieu's connections is fairly solid.

The New York Times

Its substance consists of the citizens of this town, living year-round in fairly solid comfort.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We certainly have seen signs of a slowdown, but the consumer confidence numbers are fairly solid".

The New York Times

That's a fairly solid citation, so we've got one, for sure.

The New Yorker

That link is fairly solid, but the science is still unclear about causality.

University of California, Berkeley

There is, however, one statistic that scientists say is fairly solid: life expectancy at birth.

The New York Times

The detection seems fairly solid, but the nature of the detection could still change.

The Guardian

Still, his account, the ur-source of the "angels" quote, sounds fairly solid.

The New Yorker

Breastfeeding, swimming naked at a public beach and wearing onesies are three fairly solid examples.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fairly solid" to describe evidence or data, consider quantifying the level of certainty if possible. For example, instead of saying "The evidence is fairly solid", you could say "The evidence is 80% conclusive."

Common error

Avoid using "fairly solid" when the subject is truly robust or completely certain. It's best to use "fairly solid" when there are still some doubts or limitations to acknowledge. Words like "indisputable", "unquestionable" or "undeniable" may be more appropriate when referring to the latter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly solid" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate degree of solidity, strength, or reliability. This is evidenced by Ludwig AI, where the phrase is used across various contexts to describe the relative strength or dependability of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly solid" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something that is reasonably strong, reliable, or well-founded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While it doesn't denote absolute certainty or strength, it communicates a qualified positive assessment. For more precision, consider alternatives like "reasonably sound" or "moderately robust". Avoid overstating strength by using "fairly solid" when more certain terms are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably sound

Indicates a moderate level of being free from defects; shifts focus from strength to reliability.

moderately robust

Emphasizes the capacity to withstand or overcome challenging conditions; replaces "solid" with a synonym focused on resilience.

quite dependable

Highlights the characteristic of being reliable and trustworthy; shifts the focus to the predictability of performance.

somewhat reliable

Indicates a limited level of reliability. The phrase emphasizes the uncertainty.

fairly stable

Focuses on the condition of being steady and not easily changed or moved. Emphasizes the consistency.

reasonably stable

Highlights the characteristic of balance and resistance to disruption, similar to "fairly stable".

moderately secure

Emphasizes the level of protection or safety, implying a reduced level of risk.

largely unshakeable

Suggests a high degree of stability and resistance to being overturned or dislodged, more dramatic than "fairly solid".

somewhat secure

Highlights the status of being protected and free from danger to a limited extent.

passably sturdy

Indicates an acceptable degree of strength, durability, or construction quality.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly solid" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly solid" to describe something that is reasonably strong, reliable, or well-founded. For example: "The team's defense was "fairly solid" throughout the tournament."

What phrases are similar to "fairly solid"?

Similar phrases include "reasonably sound", "moderately robust", or "quite dependable" depending on the context.

Is "fairly solid" formal or informal?

"Fairly solid" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter and audience. It maintains a neutral tone and is widely understood.

When is it inappropriate to use "fairly solid"?

Avoid using "fairly solid" when referring to something that is known to be weak, unreliable, or poorly supported. In these cases, consider phrases like "somewhat weak" or "partially supported".