that's a fair point

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's a fair point" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various situations, but it is often used in discussions or debates to acknowledge and validate someone's argument or perspective. Example: Person 1: "I think we should stick to the original plan and not make any changes." Person 2: "That's a fair point, but I believe making some adjustments could improve the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

If, indeed, college students are significantly less likely to be assaulted than non-college students, that's a fair point on Goldberg's part.

The New Yorker

I'm sure Trump supporters – and doubtless Trump himself – will put this down to "elitism" and "snobbery", and that's a fair point, of course, given Vogue's well-known prejudice against Manhattan billionaires.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a fair point.

The New York Times

Generically speaking, that's a fair point.

The Economist

That's a fair point, well made, Enna.

The Guardian - Sport

And apart from the further five times they went back, that's a fair point.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

That is a fair point, but the state's position is more persuasive.

Los Angeles Times

That is a fair point.

The Economist

That was a fair point.

The New York Times - Arts

"And that was a fair point".

The New Yorker

I thought that was a fair point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's a fair point" to acknowledge a valid argument or perspective, even if you don't completely agree. This fosters respectful communication.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "that's a fair point" in conversations. Vary your responses with other expressions to show deeper engagement and nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's a fair point" functions as an acknowledgment or concession in a discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it validates a statement made by another person. It signals that the speaker recognizes the merit or validity of the point, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's a fair point" is a commonly used phrase to acknowledge the validity of an argument or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is important to use it thoughtfully, varying your responses to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "that's a valid argument" or "I see your point" to add nuance. Employing this phrase effectively fosters respectful and productive communication by demonstrating that you have considered the speaker's perspective. Furthermore, its widespread usage in authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in English discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a valid argument

Replaces "fair point" with "valid argument", maintaining the acknowledgment of a sound viewpoint.

that's a reasonable consideration

Substitutes "fair point" with "reasonable consideration", emphasizing the rationality of the idea.

I concede that's a good point

Adds "I concede" to emphasize agreement, while maintaining the original sentiment.

you have a point there

Shifts the focus to the speaker, acknowledging the validity of their statement.

I see your point

Indicates understanding and acceptance of the other person's perspective.

that's understandable

Focuses on the understandability of the statement, implying agreement or acceptance.

I can't argue with that

Implies agreement by stating the inability to counter the argument.

that's a legitimate concern

Replaces "fair point" with "legitimate concern", highlighting the importance or relevance of the issue.

that's certainly worth considering

Suggests that the point is important enough to warrant further thought or action.

I hadn't thought of that, but it's true

Expresses initial oversight but eventual agreement with the statement's validity.

FAQs

How can I use "that's a fair point" in a sentence?

Use "that's a fair point" to acknowledge the validity of someone's argument, even if you don't completely agree with it. For example, "I understand your concern about the budget, "that's a fair point". Let's explore some cost-saving measures."

What are some alternatives to saying "that's a fair point"?

You can use alternatives like "that's a valid argument", "I see your point", or "I can't argue with that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "that's a fair point" formal or informal?

"That's a fair point" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly professional contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "that's a fair point" if I don't completely agree?

Yes, using "that's a fair point" acknowledges the validity of a specific aspect of the argument, even if you have reservations about the overall conclusion. It's a way to show respect for the other person's perspective.