that sounds fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that sounds fair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when there is an agreement between two or more parties, and may be used to indicate a sense of satisfaction with that agreement. For example, "If you can stay until 9pm to finish your work, then I'll treat you to dinner - that sounds fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In an emergency, such as the current eurozone crisis, that sounds fair enough.

Independent

"Twenty dollars a photo — that sounds fair," the man said, smiling, and they exchanged shots.

The New Yorker

That sounds fair enough, but California agreed to value those assets much more generously than other states.

The Economist

Some might say that sounds fair, but while it would benefit the estimated 15 million workers who pay into a pension scheme, the 4.9 million people who pay higher rate tax would be hit.

Independent

If a woman ever tricked him into paying a child support for a kid that wasn't biologically his, the cabbie says, he would take her to court to demand restitution.We all agree that that sounds fair.

The Economist

That sounds fair and just, except Astacio had already, in effect, admitted to hitting Ana Astacio in the right eye in an argument at the home they had shared until the couple separated in June.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If Nightwine cut down, Sexton said, he would take him to a Yankees game: "Does that sound fair?

The New Yorker

That all sounds fair, too; doesn't it?

Forbes

That all sounds fair and well, but with thousands spending entire childhoods in temporary accommodation, and councils fighting one another to house people, doesn't central government need to intervene?

Vice

That assumption sounds fair.

The Guardian - Business

Sounds fair - except that in practice more amendments translate into more chances to force endangered Democratic senators to take unpleasant votes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that sounds fair", maintain a tone of objectivity and impartiality. This strengthens perceptions of honesty and trustworthiness.

Common error

Avoid using "that sounds fair" sarcastically, or when there is an obvious power imbalance. This can be perceived as passive-aggressive or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that sounds fair" primarily functions as an interjection or comment clause, expressing agreement or acceptance. Ludwig examples show it used to acknowledge conditions or proposals as equitable, aligning with Ludwig AI's description as denoting satisfaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that sounds fair" is a commonly used expression to indicate agreement or acceptance, deeming something as reasonable and equitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, noting its suitability when acknowledging an agreement. Occurring most frequently in News & Media, this expression serves as a neutral and versatile way to show approval. Related phrases like "that seems reasonable" or "that seems just" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems equitable

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

that appears reasonable

Substitutes "sounds" with "appears" and "fair" with "reasonable", highlighting logical acceptability.

that seems just

Replaces "fair" with "just", focusing on moral correctness and righteousness.

that's a deal

An idiomatic expression indicating agreement to an offer or proposal.

that's acceptable

Replaces "fair" with "acceptable", indicating satisfaction with the terms.

that works for me

Expresses personal agreement or satisfaction with the arrangement.

that is agreeable

Uses "agreeable" instead of "fair" to suggest that the proposition is pleasing or welcome.

I agree to that

Directly states agreement with the previously mentioned terms or conditions.

I concur with that

A more formal way of expressing agreement or alignment with a statement.

very well, then

Indicates reluctant agreement or acceptance of a condition.

FAQs

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

Use "that sounds fair" to express agreement or acceptance of a proposal or condition. For example, "If you handle the marketing, and I manage the finances, "that sounds fair"."

What is an alternative to saying "that sounds fair"?

You can use phrases like "that seems reasonable", "that seems just", or "that's a deal" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "that sounds fair" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "that appears equitable" or "that is agreeable" may be preferable in highly formal or business contexts.

What does it mean when someone says "that sounds fair"?

When someone says "that sounds fair", they are indicating that they believe the terms or conditions being discussed are reasonable and acceptable to them. It suggests an agreement is likely to be reached.