seems fair

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is reasonable and within expectations. For example, "I have to do more work than my colleague, but the pay difference is reasonable - it seems fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It only seems fair.

The New York Times

Seems fair all around.

The New York Times

This seems fair.

The Economist

Seems fair, right?

The New York Times

But that seems fair enough.

The New York Times

It hardly seems fair, really.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The House approach seems fairer.

The New York Times

"That seems fairer to me," he added.

BBC

It hardly seemed fair.

The New York Times

Which only seemed fair.

The New York Times

Does that seem fair?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "seems fair" with explanatory phrases to provide context for your evaluation. For instance, "The offer seems fair, considering the market conditions".

Common error

Avoid using "seems fair" as a standalone statement without any supporting evidence or explanation. Readers need to understand why something seems fair to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems fair" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a subjective assessment of something being reasonable or equitable. It expresses an opinion rather than a definitive statement of fact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems fair" is a commonly used evaluative phrase for expressing that something appears reasonable or equitable. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to provide context and supporting evidence when using this phrase, as outlined in the writing guidance. Consider alternatives like "appears reasonable" or "is justifiable" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears reasonable

Emphasizes the outward appearance of being reasonable, suggesting a surface-level assessment.

sounds equitable

Focuses on the auditory impression of fairness, implying that it gives a positive impression when heard.

is justifiable

Highlights the presence of a valid justification or reason for the situation.

is a reasonable proposition

Specifically refers to an offer or suggestion being within acceptable bounds.

is within reason

Indicates that something falls within the limits of what is sensible or acceptable.

passes muster

Suggests that something meets the required standards or expectations after scrutiny.

is above board

Conveys that something is honest and transparent, without any hidden agendas.

holds up

Implies that something withstands scrutiny or testing and remains valid.

is on the up and up

Similar to "is above board", it means honest and legitimate.

strikes one as just

Highlights the subjective feeling of fairness and impartiality.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems fair" to express your opinion that something is reasonable or equitable, like in the sentence, "The proposed solution "seems fair" to all parties involved".

What's a more formal way to say "seems fair"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "appears reasonable", "is justifiable", or "is equitable" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "seems fair" or "is fair"?

"Seems fair" implies a preliminary judgment based on available information, while "is fair" suggests a definitive assessment after thorough consideration. Use "seems fair" when you're not entirely certain or want to express a tentative opinion.

What does it mean when someone says "that seems fair enough"?

It means they generally agree with a proposal or situation but may have some reservations or want further clarification. It's a way of expressing conditional acceptance.