stayed fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed fair" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in contexts discussing fairness over time, such as in a game or competition. Example: "Throughout the tournament, the judges stayed fair in their scoring, ensuring that every participant had an equal chance."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The ball stayed fair.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm thankful that it stayed fair".

The New York Times - Sports

Naturally, the ball stayed fair, skipping over the bag for the go-ahead hit.

The New York Times - Sports

The homer easily stayed fair, probably a lot more than it looked on TV.

The New York Times

When the ball stayed fair, Teixeira dropped the bat and made history.

The New York Times - Sports

The No. 9 hitter, Castillo, followed with a dribbler up the third-base line that stayed fair despite Pettitte's hovering as Alou scored the go-ahead run.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If it stays fair it's gone.

The New York Times - Sports

It hit the bag to stay fair.

The New York Times - Sports

He was hoping the ball would stay fair.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was saying, 'Stay fair, stay fair,' " Barajas said, "and then I stopped myself and thought, Wait a minute, I can't be pulling for these guys anymore".

The New York Times - Sports

"You just need to make sure that everything stays fair and clean.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in sports, ensure that "stayed fair" is used to clearly indicate that a ball or other object remained within the boundaries of the playing field, influencing the outcome of the game.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed fair" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where the concept of physical boundaries is not relevant. Instead, opt for phrases like "remained unbiased" or "maintained its integrity" to convey fairness or impartiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed fair" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the trajectory or final position of an object, particularly in sports contexts. Ludwig AI's examples show the phrase in use when describing whether a ball remained within the legal boundaries of play.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stayed fair" is a verb phrase primarily used in sports contexts to describe when an object (most often a ball) remains within the legal boundaries of play. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically acceptable, although it may require context for broader understanding. When employing the phrase, ensure its relevance to the physical boundaries, and in abstract contexts, consider alternatives like "remained impartial" or "held true". Its frequency of use is classified as uncommon, largely appearing in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained fair

Emphasizes the continuation of fairness or impartiality.

stayed within bounds

Focuses on adhering to specific limits or boundaries, physical or metaphorical.

held its course

Highlights the maintenance of a particular direction or path, especially against opposition.

remained impartial

Specifically emphasizes the absence of bias or prejudice.

stayed on track

Implies maintaining progress towards a goal without deviation.

adhered to the rules

Focuses on the act of following established regulations or guidelines.

maintained integrity

Highlights the preservation of moral and ethical principles.

kept within limits

Emphasizes the act of not exceeding pre-defined boundaries or constraints.

didn't deviate

Focuses on the absence of change from a determined path or direction.

stayed true

Highlights faithfulness to a cause, person, or principle.

FAQs

What does "stayed fair" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "stayed fair" means that a batted ball landed and remained within the designated fair territory of the field, making it a legally playable ball. A ball that lands foul is out of play.

When can I use "stayed fair" outside of sports?

While primarily used in sports, "stayed fair" can be applied figuratively to situations where something narrowly avoids crossing a boundary or line. For example, "The argument "stayed civil" despite the heated emotions".

What are some alternatives to "stayed fair" in a non-sports context?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "stayed fair" could include phrases like "remained impartial", "held true", or "stayed within limits".

Is it grammatically correct to say "stayed fair"?

Yes, "stayed fair" is grammatically correct. "Stayed" is the past tense of the verb "stay", and "fair" is an adjective describing the state of something as being within legal boundaries, especially in sports.