it should be fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the expectation that something ought to be equitable or just. Example: "In any negotiation, it should be fair for both parties to have equal opportunities to present their case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If activists mentioned only one Lib Dem policy on the doorstep, he said, it should be "fair taxes".

The Guardian

"The key principles of justice are that it should be fair and that it should be open," said the group's director, Bob Satchell.

The New York Times

"We should have a free vote in our parliament, and if there is a plebiscite it should be fair and uncomplicated," he told supporters in an email.

The Guardian

A draft communiqué from the conference said online gambling should not be allowed to become a source of crime or be used to finance criminality, that it should be fair to consumers and that children and problem gamblers should be protected.

The New York Times

"Immigration policy should be generous; it should be fair; it should be flexible.

BBC

Mr Dawson said the NEP was committed to the UK, but it should be fair for all regions as he spoke about levels of investment, taxation and opportunities.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"There is no substitute for peace dialogue, but it should be just and fair and not a dictation," he said, stressing that the MILF had no intention of disarming any time soon, as the government is thought to want.

The Guardian

It is acknowledged that assessment should be fair and defensible, reliable and valid and that it should promote the deep learning of appropriate domains of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

BMC Medical Education

It said, among other things, that "doctors and chaplains should be fair targets".

The New York Times

"It's known as the just world hypothesis," he said, "this notion that the world should be fair".

The New York Times - Health

"They should be fair about this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair "it should be fair" with a clearly defined rationale to strengthen your argument and provide context.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice when using the phrase "it should be fair". Instead of saying "it should be fair to everyone", consider "everyone should be treated fairly" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be fair" functions primarily as an expression of expectation or recommendation. It indicates that a certain standard of equity or justice is desired or deemed necessary. As Ludwig indicates, it expresses the expectation that something ought to be equitable or just.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should be fair" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for advocating equitable treatment. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for expressing the expectation that something ought to be equitable or just. While the phrase is not overwhelmingly common, appearing in several contexts such as News & Media and Science, its neutral register makes it widely applicable. When using "it should be fair", remember to pair it with clear reasoning and to avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives like "it needs to be equitable" or "it must be unbiased" for added emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be equitable

Replaces "should" with "needs to", emphasizing necessity and replaces "fair" with "equitable", suggesting impartiality.

it ought to be just

Substitutes "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation, and "fair" with "just", highlighting moral correctness.

it has to be impartial

Replaces "should be" with "has to be", conveying a stronger sense of requirement and "fair" with "impartial", stressing unbiased treatment.

it must be unbiased

Replaces "should" with "must", indicating a firm requirement and "fair" with "unbiased", emphasizing neutrality.

it is required to be fair

Replaces "should" with "is required", indicating regulatory or procedural necessitation and maintains "fair" for consistency.

it is essential to be fair

Replaces "should" with "is essential", indicating absolute necessity and maintains "fair" for consistency.

justice must prevail

Focuses on the result (justice) rather than the action of being fair, making it a more assertive statement.

equity should be maintained

Shifts the focus to maintaining "equity", implying an ongoing effort to ensure fairness.

fairness is paramount

Highlights the importance of "fairness", suggesting it's the most important consideration.

impartiality is key

Emphasizes that "impartiality" is a crucial element, making it a concise statement of principle.

FAQs

How can I use "it should be fair" in a sentence?

Use "it should be fair" to express an expectation or recommendation that something ought to be equitable or just. For example, "In any negotiation, "it should be fair" for both parties to have equal opportunities to present their case."

What are some alternatives to saying "it should be fair"?

You can use alternatives like "it needs to be equitable", "it ought to be just", or "it must be unbiased" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it should be fair" in writing?

"It should be fair" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express the idea that something ought to be handled with impartiality, justice, or equity. This can apply to discussions of rules, procedures, or resource allocation.

Is "it should be fair" formal or informal language?

"It should be fair" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should guide your choice of words. More formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "it ought to be just".