it is unfair to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unfair to expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing expectations that you believe are unreasonable or unjust. Example: "In this situation, it is unfair to expect employees to work overtime without additional compensation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I think it is unfair to expect them to go and not react to anything.

The New Yorker

It is unfair to expect Khar to magically set right a history plagued with distrust.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is unfair to expect a developing country to speedily plunge itself into a business-orientated world.

The Guardian

But it is unfair to expect all women to face the spotlight when they report sexual harassment.

The Washington Post

It is unfair to expect anything similar from the women in "Give Me Your Hand". Villanelle springs from fantasy.

The New Yorker

But it is unfair to expect campaigners to desist simply on the basis that their campaign is idealistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's unfair to expect things.

The New York Times

Maybe it's unfair to expect more "Colbert" from Colbert.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it's unfair to expect the entertainment industry to convey history accurately.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it was unfair to expect him to mount a wholesale assault on the papacy.

The Guardian - Film

Perhaps it's unfair to expect an author's letters to reveal some sort of hidden key to his work.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is unfair to expect", clearly state the reason why the expectation is unreasonable to add clarity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unfair to expect" without specifying who holds the expectation and why it's problematic. Lack of context weakens the statement and makes it less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unfair to expect" functions as an evaluative statement. It assesses the reasonableness or justifiability of a particular expectation, indicating that the expectation is not appropriate or warranted. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unfair to expect" is a commonly used phrase to express that an expectation is unreasonable or unjust. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate why the expectation is problematic to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your statement. Consider alternatives such as "it is unreasonable to anticipate" or "it is unjust to assume" for a more formal tone, and remember to adapt your language based on the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unreasonable to anticipate

Replaces "unfair" with "unreasonable" and "expect" with "anticipate", shifting the focus to the lack of logic in the expectation.

it is unjust to assume

Substitutes "unfair" with "unjust" and "expect" with "assume", highlighting the lack of moral basis for the assumption.

it's not reasonable to think

Uses a more conversational tone, replacing "unfair" and "expect" with simpler terms to convey the same idea.

one cannot rightly expect

Employs a formal register, indicating the expectation is not morally or logically justifiable.

it's too much to ask

Offers a direct and informal way of saying that the expectation is excessive or burdensome.

it is a bit much to expect

Adds a nuanced tone indicating that the expectation is excessive or inappropriate in degree.

it is hardly fair to assume

Highlights the lack of fairness in making an assumption, similar to expecting something without justification.

it would be wrong to assume

Emphasizes the ethical dimension of making an assumption, indicating it is incorrect or inappropriate.

it is hardly right to expect

Substitutes "unfair" with "hardly right", maintaining the formal register and highlighting ethical concerns.

it's demanding too much to expect

Focuses on the excessiveness of the demand implied in the expectation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is unfair to expect" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can replace "it is unfair to expect" with phrases like "it is unreasonable to anticipate" or "it is unjust to assume" for a more sophisticated tone.

What are some informal alternatives to "it is unfair to expect"?

For informal contexts, consider using phrases such as "it's too much to ask" or "it's not reasonable to think". These options are more conversational and direct.

When is it appropriate to use "it is unfair to expect"?

Use "it is unfair to expect" when you want to express that a particular expectation is not reasonable or just, highlighting the lack of fairness or justification.

What's the difference between "it is unfair to expect" and "it is unrealistic to expect"?

"It is unfair to expect" emphasizes the lack of justice or equity in the expectation, while "it is unrealistic to expect" focuses on the impracticality or infeasibility of the expectation.