some semblance of fairness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some semblance of fairness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea of achieving a level of fairness, even if it is not complete or perfect. Example: "The committee aimed to ensure that there was some semblance of fairness in the distribution of resources among the different departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Such a move would also achieve some semblance of fairness to workers and shareholders.

The New York Times

Part of what we're trying to do is make sure that, win or lose, this process has some semblance of fairness".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

President Obama's attempt to restore some semblance of economic equality and fairness is of paramount importance.

The New York Times

He hired lawyers to go to court and ask a judge to issue an injunction against the suspension until a semblance of fairness was introduced to the proceedings.

The New York Times

That is a brilliant idea, but it must be matched, for any semblance of fairness, by compensation from the government when the error is theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

My Bill, which has cross-party support from Lib Dems, Greens and others, seeks to address the current imbalance and bring a greater semblance of fairness to our democracy".

Independent

What's sad is that the Tory leader can't put party advantage second to democratic reform when it comes to proportional representation, even in the modified form – "AV plus" – proposed by the late Roy Jenkins, to bring a semblance of fairness to Britain's crudely distorted electoral system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fairness about keeping some semblance of the income we've gained over the years, even as it has dwindled over the past decade, and greed of the Alliance of Motion Picture Television Producers (AMPTP), who seem determined to take back the royalties we've won by employing deceitful tactics that seek to take advantage of the new technologies in the entertainment business.

Huffington Post

This moment comes at a time during which there are challenges to some of the core American fairness laws that led to some semblance of equal opportunity, one of which Affirmative Action may take a major blow by the Supreme Court in the coming weeks.

Huffington Post

Some semblance of spring had momentarily arrived.

The New York Times

From begging for some semblance of justice?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some semblance of fairness" when you want to convey that while complete fairness may not be achievable, at least some aspects of the situation are equitable.

Common error

Avoid using "some semblance of fairness" when you mean to convey complete fairness. "Semblance" implies an approximation or appearance, not a complete realization. If you want to express a high degree of fairness, consider using phrases like "complete fairness" or "genuine equity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some semblance of fairness" functions as a noun phrase, acting as an object or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable expression in English. It indicates that a situation possesses a degree or appearance of fairness, although not necessarily perfect or complete.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some semblance of fairness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. It conveys the idea of achieving a degree of fairness, even if it's not complete or perfect. According to Ludwig, while the expression is valid and proper, remember to use the phrase to imply an approximation or a lower degree of fairness, rather than its substantial or complete form. Alternative phrases like "a degree of fairness" or "a touch of fairness" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. Finally, be mindful not to confuse it with "complete fairness", which signifies a fully equitable state. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, expressing a degree of impartiality in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of fairness

Replaces "semblance" with "degree" to emphasize the extent of fairness.

an element of fairness

Replaces "semblance" with "element" focusing on fairness as a component.

a touch of fairness

Substitutes "semblance" with "touch" suggesting a slight amount of fairness.

a hint of fairness

Uses "hint" instead of "semblance" implying a subtle presence of fairness.

a shadow of fairness

Employs "shadow" to indicate a faint or incomplete sense of fairness.

a glimmer of fairness

Replaces "semblance" with "glimmer" suggesting a faint or fleeting instance of fairness.

a modicum of fairness

Uses "modicum" to denote a small or limited amount of fairness.

a facade of fairness

Suggests the fairness may be superficial or deceptive.

a veneer of fairness

Implies a thin, often deceptive, layer of fairness.

a pretense of fairness

Highlights the fairness might be feigned or insincere.

FAQs

How to use "some semblance of fairness" in a sentence?

You can use "some semblance of fairness" to describe a situation where there is an attempt to be fair, even if it's not perfect. For example: "The mediator tried to create "some semblance of fairness" in the divorce settlement."

What can I say instead of "some semblance of fairness"?

Alternatives include "a degree of fairness", "a touch of fairness", or "a hint of fairness", depending on the context and the level of fairness you want to convey. Consider also "some semblance of justice" if the context is about law and order.

Which is correct, "some semblance of fairness" or "some semblance to fairness"?

"Some semblance of fairness" is the correct usage. The preposition "of" is required to connect "semblance" to "fairness". "Some semblance to fairness" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "some semblance of fairness" and "complete fairness"?

"Some semblance of fairness" implies that there is an attempt or appearance of fairness, but it may not be fully achieved. "Complete fairness" suggests that the situation is entirely equitable and just. The former implies imperfection, while the latter suggests perfection.