is not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is unjust or inequitable in a given situation. Example: "It is not fair that some students have access to better resources than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is not fair.

The New York Times

It is not fair.

The New York Times

That is not fair.

The New York Times

Which is not fair!

The New Yorker

This is not fair to Alan.

The New Yorker

That is not fair or right".

Independent

Cameron says this is not fair.

The Guardian

This is not fair to the public".

The New York Times

"That is not fair," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Because life is not fair.

The Guardian - Business

That simply is not fair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not fair" to express a sense of injustice, inequity, or a violation of established rules or expectations. For example: "It is not fair that some employees get preferential treatment."

Common error

Avoid using "is not fair" when simply expressing personal disappointment or preference. Fairness implies a violation of objective standards or rules, not just subjective dissatisfaction. For instance, saying "It is not fair that I didn't win the lottery" misuses the phrase, as winning the lottery is based on chance, not fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not fair" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject to assert that something violates principles of justice, equity, or established rules. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not fair" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for indicating a violation of justice, equity, or established rules. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds use in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely violates established standards of fairness, rather than simply expressing personal disappointment. Consider alternatives like "is unjust" or "is inequitable" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unjust

Replaces "fair" with "just", emphasizing a lack of moral rightness.

is inequitable

Replaces "fair" with "equitable", highlighting a lack of equality or impartiality.

is unwarranted

Indicates that something lacks justification or reason.

is unreasonable

Suggests that something goes beyond the bounds of what is considered acceptable or logical.

is biased

Implies a prejudice or inclination that prevents impartial judgment.

is not right

A more general expression of disapproval or disagreement.

is out of line

Suggests that someone has exceeded the limits of acceptable behavior.

is uncalled for

Indicates that something was unnecessary and inappropriate.

is undeserved

Highlights that someone is receiving something they do not merit.

is unethical

Indicates that something violates moral principles or professional standards.

FAQs

How can I use "is not fair" in a sentence?

You can use "is not fair" to express that something is unjust or inequitable. For example, "It "is not fair" that some students have access to better resources than others."

What are some alternatives to saying "is not fair"?

You can use alternatives like "is unjust", "is inequitable", or "is unreasonable depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not fair"?

It's appropriate to use "is not fair" when you believe a situation violates principles of justice, equality, or established rules. However, avoid using it for mere personal preferences or disappointments.

What's the difference between "is not fair" and "is not equal"?

"Is not fair" implies a violation of justice or moral principles, while "is not equal" simply indicates a lack of equality. Fairness often relates to rules and expectations, while equality concerns distribution or status.