feel fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel fair" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where someone is expressing their perception of fairness in a situation, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "After reviewing the decision, I just don't feel fair about the outcome."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"That doesn't feel fair.

The Guardian

"It doesn't feel fair at all," Ashraf said.

The Guardian

Whoever wins, it is unlikely to feel fair.

The Guardian - Sport

After a pause he replied: "It doesn't feel fair".

The Guardian - Business

The banks have gained on his misfortune, which doesn't feel fair or ethical.

The Guardian - Money

It doesn't feel fair to suddenly tell retirees that the benefits they had planned on will be cut.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It felt fair to break the rules".

The New Yorker

So it feels fair to begin with her strong points.

The Guardian

The tracking of the Wii is pretty robust and feels fair.

The Guardian - Tech

But in this case, given the enormity of the nation's health insurance problem, the word feels fair enough.

The New York Times - Health

Most of us make snap moral judgments about what feels fair or not, or what feels good or not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing “feel fair” with "seem equitable" or "strike as reasonable" for increased clarity in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feel fair" when an objective assessment of fairness is required. Subjective feelings can be misleading, especially in legal or ethical contexts where standards must be consistently applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel fair" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a subjective assessment or perception of fairness. Examples from Ludwig, such as "It doesn't feel fair at all", illustrate its use in conveying a personal sentiment regarding the equity of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates a potential need for additional context to ensure clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel fair" is a commonly used phrase to express a subjective perception of fairness. While Ludwig AI notes it can benefit from additional context for clarity, it frequently appears in news, media, and business contexts. Alternative phrases like ""seem equitable"" or "appear just" can provide a more objective tone, especially in formal writing. When employing "feel fair", be mindful of whose feelings are being referenced and ensure the context clearly indicates the standard of fairness applied. This will allow for a more explicit and effective use of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem equitable

Focuses on outward appearance of fairness rather than internal feeling.

appear just

Highlights the objective assessment of justice.

strike as reasonable

Emphasizes the logical and rational aspect of fairness.

resonate as ethical

Connects fairness to moral principles.

come across as impartial

Underscores the lack of bias.

register as unbiased

Focuses on the absence of prejudice.

be perceived as legitimate

Stresses the acceptance of fairness by others.

be viewed as justified

Emphasizes the rationale behind the sense of fairness.

be considered appropriate

Fairness is tied to suitability for the situation.

measure up as decent

Fairness is linked to a general sense of goodness and respectability.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel fair" to express a subjective sense of justice or equity. For example, "It doesn't "feel fair" to suddenly change the rules after the game has started."

What can I say instead of "feel fair"?

You can use alternatives like ""seem equitable"", ""strike as reasonable"", or "appear just" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "feel fair" or "seem fair"?

"Feel fair" indicates a personal sentiment about fairness, while "seem fair" suggests an outward appearance of fairness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the subjective or objective aspect.

What's the difference between "feel fair" and "feel just"?

While both phrases express a sense of rightness, "feel fair" often relates to equity and impartiality in specific situations. "Feel just" generally implies a broader sense of moral correctness or righteousness.