it is fair to say

USAGE SUMMARY

It is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce an opinion or statement that is objective and reasonable. Example sentence: It is fair to say that this is a challenging time for everyone.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Robert Adams says that "it is fair to say that Plantinga has solved this problem.

Wikipedia

Haynes, it is fair to say, does not do gravy.

The New Yorker

INDIANA JONES, it is fair to say, would not approve.

The Economist

But it is fair to say they are plotting.

The Guardian

It is fair to say that her husband did not.

The New Yorker

It is fair to say he's something of a pioneer.

The Guardian - Arts

It is fair to say, therefore, that Donovan built well.

The New York Times

It is fair to say nobody was too impressed.

The Guardian - Sport

And after Dylan, it is fair to say, the deluge.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are, it is fair to say, an acquired taste.

The New York Times

It is fair to say he has been vindicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing; this phrase is generally appropriate for neutral or slightly formal contexts, so it might not fit in highly informal writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "it is fair to say". This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is fair to say" serves as a discourse marker, introducing a statement that the speaker or writer presents as a reasonable or balanced assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is fair to say" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a balanced or reasonable assessment, often functioning as a discourse marker to moderate claims or opinions. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in English. It's commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral and leaning towards professional, avoid overuse to maintain writing variety. Remember to use it when you aim for objectivity and balance in your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is reasonable to assert

Replaces "fair" with "reasonable" and "say" with "assert", suggesting a more analytical and less casual tone.

it is accurate to state

Emphasizes the correctness of the information, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

it can be reasonably argued

Shifts the focus to argumentation, implying there's evidence to support the statement.

it is justifiable to conclude

Indicates that the statement is a logical conclusion based on preceding information.

one might reasonably suggest

Uses a more tentative tone, softening the assertion.

it's not unreasonable to think

Introduces a thought or possibility rather than a definitive statement.

it is understandable to believe

Focuses on the understandability of a belief, implying common acceptance.

it's conceivable that

Presents the statement as a possibility that is capable of being imagined or grasped.

we can safely assume

Indicates a level of confidence and security in the assumption being made.

the evidence suggests

Introduces a statement backed by evidence, implying a scientific or investigative approach.

FAQs

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

Use "it is fair to say" to introduce a balanced or objective statement, often one that acknowledges multiple perspectives. For example, "It is fair to say that the movie had both strong performances and a weak plot."

What are some alternatives to "it is fair to say"?

You can use alternatives like "it is reasonable to assert", "it is accurate to state", or "it can be reasonably argued" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it is fair to say" or "it is safe to say"?

The choice depends on the context. "It is fair to say" suggests objectivity and balance, while "it is safe to say" implies a degree of confidence and low risk of contradiction. They are not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "it is fair to say" and "in my opinion"?

"It is fair to say" presents a statement as reasonably objective, whereas "in my opinion" explicitly acknowledges that the statement is a personal viewpoint. "It is fair to say" carries a stronger implication of impartiality.