it is not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of injustice or inequality in a situation. Example: "I believe it is not fair that some students have access to more resources than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not fair.

The New York Times

"It is not fair for the children.

The Guardian

It is not fair and not right".

The New York Times

No, it is not fair to say.

The Guardian - Books

It is not fair to me.

The New York Times

"It's unimpressive and it is not fair, because it is not fair on future generations.

The Guardian

We are becoming poor and it is not fair".

Independent

It is not fair on the fans or the opponents".

Independent

"It is not fair to have preconceptions about his character".

The New York Times - Health

To say we're over-prescribing it is not fair".

The Guardian

But it is not fair to say politicians aren't human.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not fair", be specific about why something is unfair to strengthen your argument and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who is disadvantaged and how.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it is not fair" as a standalone argument without providing substantial evidence or reasoning. Overusing this phrase without justification can weaken your stance and make it seem overly emotional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not fair" primarily functions as a subjective assessment or judgment. It expresses an opinion about a situation, action, or treatment, indicating that it deviates from a standard of justice, equity, or impartiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not fair" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of injustice or inequity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts, most notably in news and media and science. While versatile, it is most effective when used with specific reasons to strengthen the argument. Alternatives such as "that's just not right" or "it simply isn't equitable" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. When writing, ensure to provide context and avoid overuse to maintain a strong, credible argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's just not right

Emphasizes the moral incorrectness of a situation, differing slightly in tone from a neutral assessment of fairness.

it simply isn't equitable

Replaces "fair" with the synonym "equitable", suggesting a lack of impartiality or evenness.

that's a raw deal

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey unfairness, implying someone has been treated badly.

it's a blatant injustice

Highlights the severity of the unfairness, suggesting it is obvious and unacceptable.

it's hardly cricket

An idiom, primarily British, suggesting something is not done according to the rules of fair play.

it's a skewed arrangement

Focuses on the imbalance or bias in a situation, where resources or opportunities are unevenly distributed.

it is morally reprehensible

Elevates the sense of unfairness to a matter of moral outrage, indicating strong disapproval.

the scales are heavily weighted

Implies bias in a process or system, suggesting outcomes are predetermined unfairly.

it smacks of discrimination

Accuses a situation of resembling prejudiced treatment based on specific characteristics.

there's undue favouritism

Highlights the preferential treatment given to some over others, creating an uneven playing field.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is not fair"?

You can use alternatives like "that's just not right", "it simply isn't equitable", or "that's a raw deal" depending on the context.

How to use "it is not fair" in a sentence?

Use "it is not fair" to express a sense of injustice or inequality. For example: "It is not fair that some students have access to more resources than others."

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

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "it is not fair" is often used in more conversational contexts, whereas "it is unfair" might be perceived as slightly more formal or emphatic. Both are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

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

The phrase "it is not fair" is appropriate when you want to express your opinion about a situation, decision or treatment of someone, implying it's unjust, inequitable or biased.