not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not equitable or just. For example: "It's not fair that I have to do all the chores around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not fair".

The New York Times

Well, life's not fair.

The New York Times

That's just not fair".

The New Yorker

This is not fair.

The New York Times

Not fair, not safe".

Independent

Not fair, right?

Independent

It's really not fair.

The New York Times - Sports

So it's not fair?

The New York Times

They are not fair.

The New York Times

That was not fair.

The New Yorker

It's not fair, Pauly".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing disagreement or disapproval, use "not fair" to directly and clearly communicate that you perceive a lack of equity or justice. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.

Common error

While "not fair" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, consider using more nuanced vocabulary like "inequitable", "unjust", or "biased" in formal writing to convey a more sophisticated and precise meaning. Also consider that adding examples can help the reader to understand your point of view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not fair" primarily functions as a subject complement, describing a noun or situation as lacking in fairness or equity. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in expressing disapproval or disagreement with a perceived injustice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not fair" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of injustice or inequity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for everyday conversation, consider using more nuanced terms like "unjust" or "inequitable" in formal writing. To avoid overuse, this analysis provides alternative phrases and usage tips to enhance clarity and precision. Remember to adapt your language to the specific context and audience to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not equitable

A more formal way of saying "not fair", emphasizing a lack of fairness in distribution or opportunity.

unjust

Focuses specifically on the lack of justice or fairness in a situation.

inequitable

Highlights the lack of equality or evenness in treatment or outcome.

biased

Emphasizes the presence of prejudice or favoritism affecting impartiality.

unequal

Directly points out the disparity or lack of balance in a situation.

unwarranted

Suggests that something is not justified or deserved, implying a sense of unfairness.

unreasonable

Indicates a lack of reason or justification, often implying unfairness.

a raw deal

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone has been treated badly or unfairly.

out of line

Suggests that someone's behavior or actions have crossed a boundary of what is acceptable or fair.

not cricket

A British idiom that means something is not fair or sportsmanlike.

FAQs

How can I use "not fair" in a sentence?

You can use "not fair" to express disagreement or a sense of injustice. For example, "It's "not fair" that some students get extra credit while others don't."

What are some alternatives to saying "not fair"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unjust", "inequitable", or "biased" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not fair"?

Yes, the phrase "not fair" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

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

The phrase "not fair" is appropriate in many contexts, from casual conversation to expressing disagreement in more formal settings. However, consider using more precise language in formal writing.