it was fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or event that is judged to be reasonable or satisfactory. For example: "The judge ruled that it was fair to reduce the sentence for the defendant in light of the mitigating evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was fair; the diverse jury took its job seriously.

The New York Times

But it was fair enough.

The Economist

"It was fair satire".

The New York Times

Nineteen per cent said it was fair.

The New Yorker

It was fair to hope for more.

The New York Times - Arts

"We thought it was fair.

The New York Times

"It was fair," Capriati said.

The New York Times - Sports

Who said it was fair?

The New Yorker

It was fair by about 20 feet.

The New York Times - Sports

It was hard, but it was fair".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought it was fair," McCarthy said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was fair", ensure the context clearly defines what standard of fairness is being applied.

Common error

Avoid using "it was fair" without specifying the criteria for fairness, as this can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. Be specific about what made it fair.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was fair" serves as a statement of judgment or assessment, indicating that a particular situation, decision, or action is considered just, equitable, or acceptable. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was fair" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that a situation or decision is considered just and equitable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It's prevalent in contexts such as news, sports, and formal communications, where expressing impartiality and agreement is important. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the criteria that make something "fair" to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "it was equitable" and "it was just" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was equitable

Replaces 'fair' with a synonym suggesting impartiality and justice.

it was just

Emphasizes the moral rightness of the situation.

it was reasonable

Highlights the logical and acceptable nature of the situation.

it was unbiased

Focuses on the impartiality and lack of prejudice.

it was impartial

Similar to 'unbiased', stressing objectivity.

it was a fair deal

Specifically refers to an agreement or transaction.

it was a square deal

Emphasizes honesty and integrity in an agreement.

it was all right

A more general term suggesting acceptability but not necessarily fairness.

it was acceptable

Indicates that something meets a certain standard or requirement.

it was legitimate

Highlights the lawfulness and validity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was fair" in a sentence?

Use "it was fair" to express agreement or satisfaction with a decision, situation, or outcome. For example, "The judge ruled that "it was fair" to reduce the sentence."

What can I say instead of "it was fair"?

You can use alternatives like "it was equitable", "it was just", or "it was reasonable" depending on the context.

Is "it was fair" the same as "it seemed fair"?

No, "it was fair" expresses a definite judgment of fairness, while "it seemed fair" suggests an impression or appearance of fairness, possibly without certainty.

Which is more formal, "it was fair" or "it was equitable"?

It was equitable is generally considered more formal than "it was fair", often used in legal or official contexts.