play fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of being honest and just when playing games or engaging in any kind of competition. For example, "Let's make sure we all play fair during the game so that everyone has an equal chance of winning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

C'mon, play fair.

The New York Times

They didn't play fair.

The New Yorker

Play fair with us.

The New York Times

Apple play fair.

The New Yorker

NICHOLSON BAKER: Apple play fair?

The New Yorker

"Today, Google doesn't play fair.

The New York Times - Tech

Play fair always.

The New York Times - Magazine

They play fair.

The New York Times - Books

And Intel does not always play fair.

The New York Times - Tech

They will play fair as long as we play fair".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Play Fair.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When urging someone to compete fairly, use "play fair" to reinforce the importance of honesty and respect for the rules. For example, in sports or business negotiations.

Common error

Don't limit "play fair" solely to formal situations like sports or games. It applies equally to interpersonal relationships, business dealings, and any situation where honesty and ethical behavior are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play fair" functions primarily as an imperative, urging or advising someone to act honestly and ethically. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from sports to business, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play fair" is a common and straightforward way to encourage ethical and honest behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When writing, use "play fair" to emphasize the importance of integrity and adherence to rules, whether in competitive scenarios or interpersonal relationships. Remember that it's essential not to restrict its meaning to formal games; it applies broadly to all situations where ethical conduct is vital.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete honestly

Focuses specifically on honesty within a competitive environment.

act with integrity

Emphasizes the moral and ethical aspect of fair behavior, rather than the competitive aspect.

behave justly

Highlights the aspect of justice and impartiality in one's conduct.

give a fair shake

Focuses on providing equal opportunities to others.

conduct oneself ethically

Stresses the ethical considerations behind fair conduct.

maintain fairness

Shifts the focus from individual action to the upholding of a fair environment.

deal square

An older expression indicating honest and equitable treatment.

observe the rules

Highlights following established rules as a key component of fairness.

be on the level

Informal expression indicating honesty and transparency.

keep it real

Emphasizes authenticity and honesty in one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "play fair" in a sentence?

You can use "play fair" to encourage ethical behavior in various contexts. For example: "We expect all participants to "play fair" during the competition" or "It's important to "play fair" in all business dealings."

What does it mean to "play fair"?

"Play fair" means to act with honesty, integrity, and respect for the established rules or guidelines in any situation, whether it's a game, competition, or interpersonal interaction.

Which is correct, "play fair" or "playing fair"?

Both ""play fair"" and "playing fair" are correct, but they have different uses. "Play fair" is often used as an imperative or a general statement, while "playing fair" is used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. For example: "It's important "play fair"," versus "Playing fair is essential for building trust."

What are some situations where it's important to "play fair"?

It's important to ""play fair"" in various situations, including sports, games, business negotiations, academic settings, and personal relationships. In any context where there are rules or expectations of ethical behavior, "playing fair" is essential for maintaining trust and fostering positive outcomes.