it is a fair guess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a fair guess" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a particular assumption or estimation is reasonable or likely to be true. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it is a fair guess that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It is a fair guess that his briefcase, or his satchel, contains nothing but manifestos and position papers.

Independent

IF YOU are reading this, it is a fair guess that you are interested in advertising, online commerce, internet regulation or online privacy.

The Economist

It is a fair guess that she was the only one so surprised".Rich people," she explained in answer to a question from Anand Mahindra, an Indian tycoon, "are not very popular in Burma".

The Economist

Moreover, it is a fair guess that, when he is dismissed, he does not put his bat neatly and silently back into his cricket coffin before resuming the crossword.

The Guardian - Sport

We can't know but it is a fair guess they might have been higher.And while it is easy to say that no government that borrows in its own currency, and has a friendly central bank, need worry about a deficit, we can't be certain of that either.

The Economist

If you read sites like TechCrunch, then it is a fair guess that your friends and family probably think you are some sort of computer expert, someone they can turn to when they need computer related help and advise.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Given how skillfully the Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri navigates the story's political backdrop and its source material, it's a fair guess that he knows the effect raising the past will have.

The New York Times

That "Alex Cross" would present a challenge for any actor is evident from its clumsy opener, a chase sequence with Detroit cops and some disposable bad guy that is so visually nonsensical, so maladroit in its staging and editing (it's a fair guess that the editor didn't have many good choices to work with), that it looks as if the cops were shooting at one another.

The New York Times

One of them said, "A Frenchman?" It was a fair guess.

The New Yorker

It's a fair guess that the anti-raw dictocrats, hunkered down somewhere across town, weren't either.

The New York Times

It's a fair guess the Amazin' would have known those statistics without having to look them up.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it is a fair guess" with more confident alternatives like "it is likely" if your assertion is supported by strong evidence. Conversely, if the evidence is weak, use even more tentative language.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a fair guess" when you possess definitive proof. The phrase implies uncertainty; use stronger language when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a fair guess" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty or probability. It is used to introduce an assertion or prediction based on available evidence, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a fair guess" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a reasoned opinion or prediction with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While generally acceptable, consider stronger or more tentative language based on the evidence available. Ludwig's examples showcase its reliable usage, offering alternatives for varied formality levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a reasonable assumption

Replaces "guess" with a more formal term, focusing on the justification behind the assumption.

it is a plausible estimate

Emphasizes the possibility and believability of the estimation.

it can be reasonably assumed

Shifts the focus to the act of assuming, highlighting its justification.

one might reasonably infer

Introduces a slightly more formal and cautious tone, suggesting a logical deduction.

it's likely

Shortens the phrase while maintaining a similar level of probability.

it seems probable

Emphasizes the probability of something occurring or being true.

a reasonable conclusion is

Highlights the conclusion drawn from available evidence.

it stands to reason

Implies a logical and self-evident basis for the assumption.

one can safely assume

Adds a sense of confidence and security to the assumption.

the evidence suggests

Focuses on the supporting evidence for the conclusion.

FAQs

What does "it is a fair guess" mean?

It means that based on the available information, a particular conclusion or assumption is reasonably likely to be true, though not certain.

How can I use "it is a fair guess" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce an opinion or prediction that is based on some evidence. For example, "Based on the weather forecast, it is a fair guess that it will rain later today."

What can I say instead of "it is a fair guess"?

You can use alternatives like "it is a reasonable assumption", "it is a plausible estimate", or "it is likely" depending on the context.

Is "it is a fair guess" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings.