in fairness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in fairness" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is generally used to acknowledge or consider a different perspective or viewpoint in a situation. Example: "In fairness to my colleague, she has been handling a heavy workload and may not have had time to respond to all of the emails." In this example, the phrase "in fairness" is used to show that the speaker wants to give consideration to their colleague's circumstances and not simply blame them for not responding to emails.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fairness, pre-I.P.O.

The New York Times

"In fairness?" she says.

The New Yorker

(In fairness, they do).

The New Yorker

"In fairness, you're right.

The Guardian

"We believe in fairness.

The New York Times

In fairness, that sounds pretty great.

Independent

He adds, "In fairness to the state".

The New Yorker

In fairness, some others got there first.

The Economist

In fairness, they probably are.

The Guardian

In fairness, you might not.

The Guardian - Film

In fairness, it is 10am.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in fairness" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or to acknowledge positive aspects that might be overlooked. It helps create a balanced and nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "in fairness", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases like "to be fair" or "on the other hand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fairness" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce a statement that adds balance, offers mitigation, or acknowledges an opposing viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in fairness" is a very common and grammatically correct discourse marker used to introduce a balanced perspective or mitigate a potentially negative statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to ensure impartiality and provide a more nuanced assessment, often softening criticism or introducing a positive aspect. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a variety of communication settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternative phrases such as "to be fair" or "on the other hand".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To be fair

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of expressing the same sentiment.

In all fairness

This variation adds emphasis to the sentiment of impartiality.

To give credit where it's due

This phrase highlights the act of acknowledging positive aspects that might be overlooked.

It must be said

This option emphasizes the importance of stating something, even if it's contrary to the initial point.

On the other hand

This phrase introduces a contrasting point of view, promoting balance.

With due respect

This alternative adds a tone of deference while presenting a differing viewpoint.

Having said that

This phrase acknowledges the previous statement before introducing a contrasting element.

That being said

Similar to "having said that", it transitions to a different aspect of the topic.

In mitigation

This term is often used in legal or formal contexts to present extenuating circumstances.

By way of justification

This presents a rationale or explanation for something that may seem questionable.

FAQs

How can I use "in fairness" in a sentence?

Use "in fairness" to introduce a balanced perspective or to lessen criticism. For example, "The team didn't perform well this season, but "in fairness", they had several key injuries".

What are some alternatives to "in fairness"?

Alternatives include "to be fair", "in all fairness", or "to give credit where it's due", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in fairness"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "in fairness" is a common way to introduce a counterpoint or to provide a more balanced view.

What's the difference between "in fairness" and "in justice"?

"In fairness" implies impartiality and balance, while "in justice" refers to moral rightness and upholding the law. Although they are related, their applications differ. For example, "In fairness, he tried his best" focuses on acknowledging effort, whereas "in justice, he should be compensated" focuses on moral and legal obligation.