it is fair to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is fair to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a question or inquiry is reasonable or justified in a given context. Example: "Given the circumstances, it is fair to ask why the project was delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now that it has hit the mainstream, it is fair to ask, "Is Twitter revolutionizing information or is it High School all over again?

Huffington Post

So it is fair to ask what he meant.

The New York Times

But it is fair to ask: Now what?

The New York Times

Yet it is fair to ask what the centre-right government has done to tackle them.

The Economist

Today, administration officials say it is fair to ask whether Bush's ownership push backfired.

The New York Times

So yeah, it is fair to ask why does Ebola deserve this huge response.

The Guardian

From his record, it is fair to ask, who could tell?

The New York Times

It is fair to ask them if they have truly changed their ways.

The New York Times

So it is fair to ask: What reasonable person would follow in our footsteps?

The New York Times

Today, administration officials say it is fair to ask whether Mr. Bush's ownership push backfired.

The New York Times

"It is fair to ask whether the progress we're predicting will be stifled by climate change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is fair to ask", ensure that the question aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. This phrase is versatile but most effective when prompting thoughtful reflection or critical analysis.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it is fair to ask". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Instead of repeating this phrase, try rephrasing questions using alternative introductory clauses or direct inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is fair to ask" functions as a discourse marker to introduce a question or inquiry that the speaker or writer believes is reasonable and pertinent to the discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is fair to ask" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a question or inquiry deemed reasonable and relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, the phrase serves to prompt reflection and critical analysis. While highly versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and maintain sentence variety to prevent reader fatigue. Consider alternatives like "it's reasonable to ask" or "it's justifiable to ask" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's reasonable to ask

Changes the adjective from 'fair' to 'reasonable', implying a logical basis for the question.

it's justifiable to ask

Replaces 'fair' with 'justifiable', suggesting the question has a strong basis in justice or rightness.

one might reasonably ask

Adds a degree of detachment by using 'one might', making it slightly more formal.

it's legitimate to inquire

Substitutes 'fair' with 'legitimate' and 'ask' with 'inquire', increasing the formality.

it is pertinent to question

Uses 'pertinent' instead of 'fair' and 'question' instead of 'ask', emphasizing the relevance of the question.

the question is rightly posed

Shifts the focus to the appropriateness of posing the question itself.

it's within reason to ask

Emphasizes that asking the question falls within the boundaries of what is logical or sensible.

it is appropriate to inquire

Uses 'appropriate' instead of 'fair' and 'inquire' instead of 'ask', suggesting that asking is fitting and suitable for the situation.

the inquiry is warranted

Focuses on the justification for the inquiry, indicating that it's necessary or deserved.

it begs the question

This alternative implies that the question is unavoidable and naturally arises from the situation.

FAQs

What does "it is fair to ask" mean?

The phrase "it is fair to ask" introduces a question or point that is reasonable, justifiable, or naturally follows from the situation at hand. It suggests that the question deserves consideration.

What can I say instead of "it is fair to ask"?

You can use alternatives like "it's reasonable to ask", "it's justifiable to ask", or "one might reasonably ask" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it is fair to ask"?

The phrase "it is fair to ask" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, without sounding overly formal or informal.

Is it correct to say "it is fair to ask"?

Yes, "it is fair to ask" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase in English. Its frequent use in reputable sources confirms its validity.