in fairly good shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in fairly good shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is in a reasonably good condition or state, often referring to physical objects, health, or situations. Example: "Despite the rough weather, the old car is still in fairly good shape and runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Today, however, Americans report being deeply worried about the country even though many say their own personal finances are still in fairly good shape.

The New York Times

The girl does not have to live in a sterile chamber, as the "bubble boy" did, and she is kept in fairly good shape by weekly injections of a synthetic version of the enzyme.

The New York Times

Ever brighter earnings reports have kept it in fairly good shape.

Forbes

I'm 54 right now and I'm in fairly good shape.

Los Angeles Times

But were he to convince Republicans to side with him, he would remain in fairly good shape against Clinton.

Los Angeles Times

My mother stayed in fairly good shape until my father became ill and they no longer were able to go on long walks around the neighborhood together.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In fairly good condition.

Wikipedia

Last September, just one in ten respondents to an earlier Times/CBS News poll said that the economy was in very good or fairly good shape, and fewer than one in eight said that it was getting better.

The New Yorker

Just one in four Americans (twenty-five per cent) believe the economy is in "very good" or "fairly good" shape, according to the Times/CBS poll — and an even smaller proportion (twenty-three per cent) believe they personally are "getting ahead".

The New Yorker

On Monday, a New York Times poll of Republican convention delegates showed that 57percentt believe the American economy is in very good or fairly good shape.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, the plan — which essentially consists of nothing but tax cuts and gives most of those tax cuts to people in fairly good financial shape — looks like a lemon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of an object or system, use "in fairly good shape" to indicate that it is functional and generally well-maintained, but not necessarily perfect. This phrase is suitable for describing physical items, financial states, or even personal health.

Common error

Avoid using "in fairly good shape" when something is actually in excellent or pristine condition. Using a weaker phrase can understate the true status and mislead your audience. Use a more appropriate phrase like "in excellent condition" or "in top shape" when applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fairly good shape" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (such as "is", "are", "was", "were"). It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in fairly good shape" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is in a reasonably good condition. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It indicates an acceptable state without implying perfection. The phrase is versatile, applicable to physical conditions, financial situations, or even abstract concepts. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the condition you wish to convey and avoid overstating or understating the true status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reasonably good condition

Indicates a similar level of acceptability but focuses more on the condition of something rather than its overall shape.

in decent condition

A simpler alternative that suggests an adequate state without being overly positive.

in relatively good nick

A British idiom that conveys a similar meaning, implying that something is holding up well.

in satisfactory condition

More formal, emphasizing that something meets the required standards.

in a healthy state

Focuses on well-being and vitality, often used for living things or systems.

in good working order

Specifically refers to the functionality and operational status of something.

well-maintained

Highlights that something has been cared for and kept in good condition.

serviceable

Implies that something is functional and able to perform its intended purpose.

holding up well

Indicates that something is withstanding time or use without significant deterioration.

in fair condition

Suggests a basic, acceptable level of condition, possibly with some wear or imperfections.

FAQs

How can I use "in fairly good shape" in a sentence?

You can use "in fairly good shape" to describe something that is in a reasonably good condition. For example, "Despite its age, the building is "in fairly good shape"." or "After the storm, the garden was still "in fairly good shape"".

What are some alternatives to "in fairly good shape"?

Alternatives include "in decent condition", "in reasonable condition", or "well-maintained", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "in fairly good shape", or should I use a stronger term?

The phrase "in fairly good shape" is correct when you want to indicate that something is in acceptable condition but not necessarily perfect. If something is in excellent condition, a stronger term like "in excellent condition" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "in fairly good shape" and "in perfect condition"?

"In fairly good shape" implies that something is generally well-maintained with minor imperfections, while "in perfect condition" suggests that something is flawless and without any defects. The choice depends on the accuracy of the description you want to convey.