is this fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is this fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning the fairness of a situation, decision, or action. Example: "After reviewing the new policy changes, I have to ask, is this fair to all employees?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But is this fair?

The Washington Post

Why is this fair?

The New York Times

So is this fair?

The Guardian

But is this fair to taxpayers?

The New York Times

There's an assumption that charities are the job world's soft touch, is this fair?

The Guardian

Cipfa has been criticised for not generating enough income from international sources – is this fair?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Was this fair?

The New York Times - Books

Where was this fair-minded composure coming from?

The New Yorker

But is this really fair?

Huffington Post

Was this complaint fair?

The New Yorker

"This isn't fair — this isn't justice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, follow the question "is this fair?" with supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is this fair?" as a rhetorical question without providing substance. Over-reliance on this phrase can weaken your argument if not supported by facts or logical reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is this fair" functions as an interrogative expression, used to question the equity, impartiality, or reasonableness of a situation, action, or decision. It seeks to initiate a discussion or express doubt about whether something aligns with principles of fairness, much like shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is this fair" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to question the equity or justice of a situation. As shown by Ludwig, it is versatile enough for use across various contexts, with particular prevalence in news and media. When using the phrase, it is important to ensure the context is clear and to support your inquiry with evidence or reasoning. Consider alternatives such as "is this just" or "is this equitable" for more formal settings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is this just

Replaces "fair" with "just", implying moral rightness and lawfulness.

is this equitable

Substitutes "fair" with "equitable", emphasizing impartiality and equal treatment.

is this reasonable

Changes "fair" to "reasonable", focusing on logical and justifiable grounds.

is this legitimate

Replaces "fair" with "legitimate", stressing compliance with laws and rules.

is this acceptable

Substitutes "fair" with "acceptable", focusing on whether something meets required standards.

is this balanced

Changes "fair" to "balanced", highlighting proportionality and equal distribution.

is this appropriate

Replaces "fair" with "appropriate", stressing suitability and correctness in a given situation.

is this deserved

Substitutes "fair" with "deserved", focusing on whether someone merits something.

is this justified

Changes "fair" to "justified", focusing on whether there is a good reason for something.

does this seem right

Expresses the question in a more conversational way, asking if something feels morally correct.

FAQs

How can I use "is this fair" in a sentence?

You can use "is this fair" to question the equity of a situation, like in the sentence, "Considering the effort everyone put in, "is this fair" to all team members?". It is often followed by an explanation of why something might not be equitable.

What's a more formal way to ask "is this fair"?

For a more formal approach, you might ask "is this equitable?" or "is this a just outcome?". These alternatives provide a more professional tone while still questioning the fairness of a situation.

What can I say instead of "is this fair" when addressing an authority?

When questioning an authority, use alternatives like "does this align with principles of justice?" or "does this decision promote equity?". These options are more respectful and encourage constructive dialogue.

Which is correct, "is this fair" or "is this just"?

Both "is this fair" and "is this just" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Fair" generally refers to equal treatment, while "just" implies moral rightness. The choice depends on the specific context.