that seems fair

USAGE SUMMARY

"that seems fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to agree with a suggestion or decision, especially when both parties are equally satisfied with the outcome. For example, "I'm willing to pay half of the repair costs - that seems fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Yes, he says today, that seems fair enough.

The Guardian - Arts

If Europeans prefer time on the ski-slopes to extra pay, that seems fair enough.

The Economist

Given we're told criminals are getting younger, that seems fair enough.

The Guardian - Film

I think the minimum wage should be $7.25 to $8.00 dollars, that seems fair.

The Guardian - Money

In fact, Robert Bies of Georgetown University and Joseph Moag, professor emeritus of Northwestern University, found that even unpleasant outcomes can be acceptable if the news is communicated in a manner that seems fair.

Harvard University

Lamela was also a profound influence, as he has been often this season, a player who has successfully transformed what seemed a startling transfer fee into something that seems fair enough these days.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Does that seem fair?

The New York Times

Our research provides guidance on how organizations can provide performance evaluations that seem fair.

Harvard Business Review

Bank of America acquired Countrywide during the depths of the financial crisis for $4 billion - a price that seemed fair at the time.

The New York Times

His Thatcher apology partly took the form of a joke but, given that he was apologising for a joke, that seemed fair enough.

The Guardian

Does that seem fair to you? .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that seems fair" when you want to express agreement with a decision or situation, especially when it appears balanced and just to all involved.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "that seems fair" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "that appears reasonable" or "that sounds acceptable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems fair" functions primarily as an evaluative statement. It expresses an opinion or judgment about a situation, suggesting it is balanced, equitable, or reasonable. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys agreement or acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that seems fair" is a commonly used expression for indicating agreement or acceptance, suggesting that a situation is balanced and reasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase functions as an evaluative statement with a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "that appears reasonable" or "that sounds acceptable". Avoid overuse to maintain writing variety. The phrase is well-suited for expressing satisfaction with outcomes or acknowledging compromises, making it a valuable addition to your communication toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that appears reasonable

Replaces "seems" with "appears", suggesting a more visual or evident assessment.

that sounds reasonable

Replaces "seems" with "sounds", implying the assessment is based on information received.

that is acceptable

Focuses on the permissibility of something rather than its perceived fairness.

that's a fair assessment

Shifts the focus to the act of assessment being fair, rather than the situation itself.

that seems equitable

Uses "equitable" instead of "fair", emphasizing impartiality and justice.

that seems just

Emphasizes moral rightness or lawfulness over general fairness.

that is a fair deal

More specific to situations involving agreements or transactions.

I deem that to be fair

Uses "deem" and adds a personal perspective of judgement.

I consider that fair

Emphasizes the act of considering something to be fair from a personal perspective.

that is a reasonable proposition

More specific to proposals or suggestions, and emphasizes reasonableness.

FAQs

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

You can use "that seems fair" to express agreement or acceptance of a decision, for example: "Given the circumstances, paying half the costs "that seems fair"".

What are some alternatives to "that seems fair"?

Alternatives include "that appears reasonable", "that sounds reasonable", or "that is acceptable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "that seems fair" in a conversation?

It's suitable when acknowledging a compromise, a proposed solution, or any situation where balance and justice are considered. For example, when negotiating terms: "Splitting the workload evenly "that seems fair"".

Is "that seems fair" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, while commonly used in spoken language, it is also acceptable in professional or neutral writing. However, for very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that appears equitable".