quite unfair

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite unfair" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong degree of unfairness or injustice. Example: The punishment she received for a minor offense was quite unfair, as it was much harsher than what others had received for similar infractions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's quite unfair".

The New Yorker

And it was quite unfair.

The Guardian - Film

It is also quite unfair to use "Moscow" as a synonym for "Soviet".

The Economist

"To hold against him one unfortunate loss in the trading area, I think, is quite unfair".

The New York Times

It might be quite unfair to him and unpleasant for me".

The New Yorker

To Mrs. Giuliani's husband and friends, the scrutiny and criticism have been quite unfair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Quite shockingly unfair, actually".

The Guardian - Film

"They're doing their best, and they're exceeding what were unbelievably high expectations and, quite frankly, unfair expectations".

The New York Times - Sports

That's not quite as unfair as it sounds, as neither Fiji nor Samoa have had to play Australia, but it still doesn't feel quite right.

The Guardian - Sport

"Spice Boys was quite an unfair tag on a lot of the lads because a lot of them were good professionals and played some great football," said Evans.

The Guardian - Sport

"To say James Corden is a bit like Marmite is quite possibly unfair to Marmite" – the Observer interviews the star of forthcoming The Wrong Mans.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite unfair", consider the strength of your statement. If you want to express a milder form of unfairness, consider using "rather unfair" or "somewhat unfair".

Common error

While "quite unfair" is a valid expression, overuse can weaken your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "distinctly unfair", "patently unjust", or other alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite unfair" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It emphasizes the degree of unfairness, indicating that something is considerably unjust. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Many examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite unfair" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a notable degree of injustice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While a versatile phrase, consider variations to prevent overuse, such as "distinctly unfair" or "very unfair". The phrase functions to convey disapproval and a sense of inequity, often prompting consideration for change. Based on the analysis of numerous examples, it demonstrates consistent usage across diverse sources, solidifying its position as a reliable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly unfair

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the unfairness.

rather unfair

Indicates a slightly lower degree of unfairness compared to "quite unfair".

very unfair

Highlights a strong degree of unfairness, similar to the original phrase.

patently unjust

Stresses the obvious injustice of the situation.

blatantly inequitable

Focuses on the lack of equity and the flagrant nature of it.

wholly unjustified

Emphasizes that there is no reasonable basis for the action or situation.

thoroughly unwarranted

Highlights that the situation is not deserved or justified.

absolutely unjust

Strengthens the concept of unfairness by using an intensifier.

manifestly biased

Directly points out the existence of prejudice.

remarkably partial

Highlights the favoritism involved, making it remarkably unfair.

FAQs

How can I use "quite unfair" in a sentence?

You can use "quite unfair" to express a strong feeling that something is unjust or inequitable. For example, "It's quite unfair that he was blamed for something he didn't do."

What are some alternatives to "quite unfair"?

You can use alternatives like "distinctly unfair", "rather unfair", or "very unfair" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "quite unfair"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Quite" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "unfair", indicating a degree of unfairness.

What's the difference between "quite unfair" and "somewhat unfair"?

"Quite unfair" indicates a stronger degree of unfairness than "somewhat unfair". "Quite" suggests a considerable degree, while "somewhat" implies a lesser extent.