in fairness to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in fairness to the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that aims to provide a balanced perspective or to acknowledge the merits of someone or something in a discussion. Example: "In fairness to the team, they worked tirelessly to meet the deadline despite the challenges they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He adds, "In fairness to the state".

The New Yorker

"In fairness to the president, I can't permit that".

The New York Times - Magazine

In fairness to the state, it's not quite that bad.

The New York Times

In fairness to the Liverpool manager, he was.

The Guardian - Sport

In fairness to the government, that is only partially correct.

The Guardian

In fairness to the current series, much has been done to shake up the format.

Independent

In fairness to the Marlins, the players they received from the Blue Jays have merit.

The New York Times - Sports

In fairness to the council they have admitted failure due to a backlog".

Independent

In fairness to the man, he was probably struck by the parade of elegance passing by.

The New York Times

In fairness to the owners, the union was threatening another strike in 2002, another catastrophic blow.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In fairness to the individual police officers, they did not seem happy with this duty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in fairness to the" to introduce a contrasting perspective, acknowledging the merits or positive aspects of someone or something before presenting criticism or a differing viewpoint. This enhances the credibility of your argument by demonstrating impartiality.

Common error

Avoid using "in fairness to the" as a mere rhetorical device to soften a biased or unsubstantiated argument. Ensure that the statement following the phrase genuinely reflects a balanced viewpoint and is supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in fairness to the" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It serves to introduce a statement that provides a balanced perspective, often acknowledging positive aspects or mitigating circumstances before presenting a contrasting viewpoint or critique. As Ludwig shows, it is primarily used to add nuance to an argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in fairness to the" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a balanced perspective, often acknowledging positive aspects or mitigating circumstances before presenting a critique or alternative viewpoint. According to Ludwig, this phrase is primarily used in news and media contexts to demonstrate impartiality and foster a sense of objectivity. When using this phrase, avoid using it as a mere rhetorical device and ensure the statement following genuinely reflects a balanced viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be fair to

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a simpler infinitive structure, emphasizing direct fairness.

in all fairness

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the fairness being applied.

in justice to

Replaces "fairness" with "justice", suggesting a more formal or moral consideration.

in the interest of fairness

Specifies that the following statement is made to ensure a balanced perspective.

it's only fair to say

Introduces a statement as a matter of justice or impartiality.

in equity to

Emphasizes impartiality and ethical treatment.

giving credit where it's due

Shifts the focus to acknowledging positive contributions or qualities.

to be just

A more succinct way of introducing a fair point or counter-argument.

to give them their due

Highlights the act of acknowledging someone's merits or efforts.

with due consideration for

Highlights the act of considering all aspects before making a judgement.

FAQs

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

Use "in fairness to the" to introduce a statement that provides a balanced perspective, often acknowledging positive aspects before presenting a contrasting viewpoint. For example, "In fairness to the team, they did face several unexpected challenges."

What are some alternatives to "in fairness to the"?

You can use alternatives like "to be fair to", "in all fairness", or "giving credit where it's due" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in fairness to the"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge the positive aspects or mitigating circumstances surrounding a subject before presenting a critique or alternative viewpoint. It demonstrates impartiality and strengthens your argument.

Is "in fairness to the" interchangeable with "in justice to the"?

While similar, "in fairness to the" and "in justice to the" aren't always interchangeable. "In fairness to the" focuses on providing a balanced perspective, while "in justice to the" implies a moral or ethical obligation to acknowledge something.