this seems fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this seems fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an opinion that a situation or proposal appears just or reasonable. Example: "After reviewing the terms of the agreement, I must say that this seems fair to both parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This seems fair.

The Economist

This seems fair enough.

The New Yorker

"This seems fair," he said.

The New York Times

This seems fair when criminal proceedings are viewed as zero-sum battles between equal adversaries.

The New York Times

To most people, this seems fair because the federal government (and ultimately taxpayers) stand behind these loans.

The New York Times

With Peter Jackson at the helm, this seems fair enough, if you favour his particular brand of hysterical, multi-climacteric-filled epic film-making.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Does this seem fair?

The New York Times

"I kept asking: 'Does this seem fair to you?

The New York Times

Does this seem fair to you?

Huffington Post

For a long time, I felt like this seemed fair and taking it as a chance to see the world wasn't even horrible.

Huffington Post

In light of this, it seems fair to ask exactly how Cain fits into this larger project, and how dependent he is on the Kochs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this seems fair" when you want to express agreement or acceptance of a proposal or situation, indicating it aligns with principles of justice and reasonableness. Ensure the context supports a balanced or equitable outcome.

Common error

Avoid overusing "this seems fair" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey your assessment, such as "this is equitable" or "this approach is justified".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this seems fair" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing an opinion that something is just or reasonable. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in English. It's often used to indicate agreement or acceptance based on initial assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this seems fair" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying agreement or acceptance of something, as validated by Ludwig. While relatively uncommon, it finds its primary use in News & Media contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "this appears reasonable" or "this is equitable". Avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts where stronger language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this appears reasonable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "fair" with "reasonable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

this strikes me as fair

Adds a personal perspective using "strikes me", emphasizing individual judgment.

this sounds fair

Uses "sounds" to suggest an assessment based on initial information or a quick consideration.

this is a fair assessment

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

this is equitable

Replaces "fair" with "equitable", implying a focus on impartiality and justice.

this is a reasonable approach

Focuses on the method or strategy being reasonable, not necessarily the outcome.

this is just

Emphasizes the moral rightness and fairness of the situation.

i consider this fair

Explicitly states personal agreement, making it more direct and less passive.

this is acceptable

Indicates agreement or permission, focusing on the allowance of the situation.

i'm inclined to agree with this

Expresses a leaning towards agreement, but with a hint of reservation or consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "this seems fair" to express your agreement or acceptance of a situation or proposal. For example, "After reviewing the contract, "this seems fair" to both parties involved."

What can I say instead of "this seems fair"?

You can use alternatives like "this appears reasonable", "this sounds fair", or "this is equitable", depending on the context.

Is "this seems fair" formal or informal?

"This seems fair" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, it might be too casual for highly formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "this seems fair" and "this is fair"?

"This seems fair" expresses an opinion based on available information, suggesting a provisional judgment. "This is fair" asserts a more definitive statement of fairness. The former is less committal.