this is not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of injustice or inequality in a situation. Example: "After working late every night, I found out that my colleague received a promotion instead of me. This is not fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is not fair.

The New York Times

This is not fair to Alan.

The New Yorker

Cameron says this is not fair.

The Guardian

This is not fair to the public".

The New York Times

This is not fair to our families.

The New Yorker

This is not fair or sensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not fair," one man rages.

The Guardian

This is not fair to other high schools.

The New York Times

"How about you go get the mail?" This is not fair.

The New Yorker

I try to be strong, but other times I want to shout: "This is not fair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Roughing it, this is not: "Fair-trade coffee, heirloom veggies and grass-fed beef are par for the course at these retreats".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this is not fair", follow it with a clear explanation of why the situation is perceived as unfair. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "this is not fair" without elaborating on the specific reasons. Failing to provide context weakens the impact and may make your statement seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not fair" primarily functions as an expressive statement, used to convey a feeling of injustice or inequity. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it appears frequently in contexts where someone perceives a lack of impartiality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is not fair" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to voice feelings of injustice or inequity. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it's crucial to provide context to explain the perceived unfairness, avoiding vague statements. Numerous alternatives, such as "that's not right" or "that's unjust", can be used to convey similar sentiments. Overall, understanding the appropriate usage and potential alternatives allows for more effective communication when expressing dissatisfaction with perceived unfairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not right

Replaces "fair" with "right", emphasizing the moral aspect of fairness.

that's unjust

Uses a more formal term, "unjust", to highlight the lack of justice.

that's inequitable

Emphasizes the lack of equality or balance in the situation.

it's a raw deal

Uses an idiom to describe an unfair situation.

it's not equitable

A more formal way of saying something lacks equality or fairness.

it's out of line

Indicates that something has crossed a boundary of acceptability or fairness.

it's a breach of fairness

Highlights the violation of expected standards of fairness.

that's not cricket

An idiom (primarily British) suggesting something is not in accordance with fair play.

it's a slap in the face

Emphasizes the feeling of insult and unfair treatment.

that's crooked

Suggests dishonesty and unfairness in a shady way.

FAQs

How can I use "this is not fair" in a sentence?

Use "this is not fair" to express a feeling of injustice or inequity. For example, "After working late every night, I found out that my colleague received a promotion instead of me. This is not fair."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is not fair"?

You can use alternatives like "that's not right", "that's unjust", or "that's inequitable" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "this is not fair" and "this is unfair"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning. "This is not fair" is slightly more emphatic, while "this is unfair" is a more direct statement. They are largely interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is not fair"?

It's appropriate to use "this is not fair" when you perceive a situation as unjust, inequitable, or biased. It's often used to express disagreement or protest against a decision or action.