let's be fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let's be fair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to encourage fairness or impartiality in a discussion or argument. Example: "Let's be fair; both sides have valid points that deserve consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That said, and let's be fair, the Mail's comprehensive statement is something of a textbook response to Ipso's requirements.

The Guardian

No, let's be fair.

The New York Times

But let's be fair.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

First, let's be fair.

The Guardian - Tech

But, once again, let's be fair.

The New York Times

Actually, let's be fair to Walden.

The Guardian - Film

He's not English anyway – let's be fair.

The Guardian - Sport

He has a nice sense of humour, let's be fair.

The Guardian

All right, let's be fair: two-note, even three.

The New York Times

But let's be fair to Estonia for a moment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No, let's be fair, they can be satisfying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let's be fair" to introduce a counter-argument or an opposing viewpoint to ensure a balanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "let's be fair" as it can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Opt for varied phrases such as "in fairness" or "to be fair".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's be fair" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in perspective or an attempt to introduce objectivity into a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a commonly used phrase across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let's be fair" is a widely used phrase designed to inject impartiality into a discussion by prompting the consideration of different viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and quite common, mostly appearing in news and media contexts. While its usage is generally acceptable, writers should exercise caution not to overuse the phrase to maintain sincerity and avoid sounding repetitive. To diversify, one could employ alternatives such as "to be fair" or "in fairness" for a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in fairness

Emphasizes the importance of considering all sides of a situation.

to be fair

A slightly more concise way of introducing a balanced perspective.

it's only fair to say

Explicitly acknowledges the need for fairness in presenting information.

in all fairness

Highlights the importance of impartiality and justice.

let's be reasonable

Focuses on the logical aspect of considering different viewpoints.

to give credit where it's due

Directly acknowledges positive aspects that might be overlooked.

if we're being honest

Introduces a candid assessment, implying a lack of bias.

in the interest of fairness

Highlights that the speaker is being fair.

to give someone their due

Acknowledges someone's positive qualities.

fair's fair

Expresses agreement that something is justified or reasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "let's be fair" in a sentence?

"Let's be fair" is often used to introduce a concession or a balanced viewpoint in a discussion. For example: "He made some mistakes, but "let's be fair"; he was under a lot of pressure."

What can I say instead of "let's be fair"?

You can use phrases like "to be fair", "in fairness", or "it's only fair to say" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "let's be fair"?

It's appropriate to use "let's be fair" when you want to acknowledge another side of an argument or provide a more balanced perspective on a situation. It is best used when your opinion might sound negative or critical and you want to add a mitigating element.

Is "let's be fair" formal or informal?

"Let's be fair" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both informal conversations and more formal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "in the interest of fairness".