this sounds fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you agree with a proposal, suggestion, or arrangement that seems reasonable or just. Example: "After reviewing the terms of the agreement, I must say, this sounds fair to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This sounds fair, but may not be: a man earning £35,000 with five children and a non-working wife would be caught; a couple each earning £30,000 with one child would not.

The Economist

As a means of surfing the web, the PS2 must wait, because broadband connections are essential for what Sony wants to do.This sounds fair enough, except that nobody knows how fast consumer broadband will take off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

OK, that sounds fair.

Huffington Post

Perhaps this all sounds fair enough – unconventional and not following due process, but a pragmatic response to changing circumstances.

The Guardian - Arts

This rule sounds fair, but is something of a sucker loss.

Forbes

Sounds fair, and it might even have a silver lining in this market.

Forbes

This would tend to impose a higher cost on higher-wage employees, which sounds fair enough.

Los Angeles Times

"Sounds fair," I said.

The New York Times

Sounds fair enough.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this sounds fair" in writing, follow it with a brief explanation of why you find it reasonable to provide context and clarity.

Common error

While "this sounds fair" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "that seems reasonable" or "that is acceptable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds fair" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating agreement or approval of a proposal or situation. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English. It assesses the perceived justness or reasonableness of something presented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this sounds fair" is a commonly used phrase to express agreement or approval of something that is considered reasonable and equitable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's crucial to use it genuinely and be mindful of overuse. Consider alternatives such as "that seems reasonable" for variety. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communications. When in doubt, ensure that the expression accurately reflects your assessment and aligns with the intended tone of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems reasonable

Emphasizes the logical aspect of the agreement, focusing on the rationale behind it.

that appears equitable

Highlights the impartiality and justice of the situation.

that's a fair deal

Focuses on the transactional aspect, suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement.

that's acceptable

Indicates a willingness to go along with the proposal, emphasizing compliance.

that's a good compromise

Implies that there was negotiation and this is a mutually agreed outcome.

I agree with that

Directly expresses agreement, focusing on personal concurrence.

I concur with that

More formal version of 'I agree with that'.

that aligns with my understanding

Emphasizes that the proposal fits within one's existing knowledge or expectations.

that resonates with me

Indicates an emotional or intuitive agreement with the proposal.

I'm on board with that

Informal way to show enthusiasm and agree with a proposal.

FAQs

What does "this sounds fair" mean?

The phrase "this sounds fair" indicates that a proposal, suggestion, or agreement appears to be reasonable, equitable, and balanced. It expresses agreement based on perceived justice or impartiality.

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

You can use "this sounds fair" to express your agreement with a proposition. For example: "After reviewing the terms of the contract, "this sounds fair" to me."

What are some alternatives to saying "this sounds fair"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that seems reasonable", "that is acceptable", or "that is a fair deal". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this sounds fair" in formal writing?

While not overly formal, "this sounds fair" is generally acceptable in most professional contexts. For highly formal situations, you might prefer "that seems reasonable" or a more specific statement of agreement.