to be fair

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be fair" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used when you are trying to be impartial and considerate when considering the thoughts or opinions of others. For example, "To be fair, he has some valid concerns about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Appear to be fair.

The New Yorker

To be fair, "W.E".

The New Yorker

CNN tries to be fair.

The Economist

He wanted to be fair.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To be fair," he said.

The Guardian

It's not going to be fair.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is supposed to be fair".

The New York Times

To be fair, self-regulation works.

Independent

To be fair, most of us are.

Independent

To be fair, this exaggerates matters some.

The New Yorker

It had been snowing, to be fair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be fair" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or to acknowledge an opposing argument, promoting balanced reasoning and avoiding one-sided perspectives.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "to be fair". Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less genuine. Instead, vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be fair" functions as an adverbial phrase. It serves to modify the entire sentence or clause that follows, indicating that the speaker or writer is about to introduce a more balanced or impartial perspective. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be fair" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that introduces impartiality or balance into a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's beneficial to vary transitional phrases to prevent overuse and maintain engagement. Alternative phrases like "in all fairness" or "it should be noted that" can provide similar nuance. Overall, "to be fair" is a versatile tool for promoting objectivity and thoroughness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all fairness

Emphasizes equity and justice in the statement, differing slightly in tone by highlighting moral considerations.

in fairness to

Specifically directs the fairness toward a particular entity or person, adding a personal element.

to give credit where it's due

Highlights acknowledging someone's accomplishments or positive qualities, with a focus on recognition.

it should be noted that

Introduces a relevant point that requires consideration, offering a more neutral and informative tone.

with due respect

Indicates politeness and consideration when expressing a potentially opposing viewpoint, emphasizing deference.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint or aspect of a situation, providing balance by showing another side.

conversely

Directly presents an opposite point of view, maintaining a formal and contrasting tone.

however

Acknowledges a previous statement before introducing a contrasting or limiting factor, offering a simple transition.

that being said

Acknowledges the preceding information and introduces a related but contrasting idea or statement, with a conversational tone.

in mitigation

Introduces facts or circumstances that lessen the blame or severity of a situation, emphasizing leniency.

FAQs

How can I use "to be fair" in a sentence?

"To be fair" is typically used to introduce a statement that balances or moderates a previous assertion. For example, "He didn't complete the project on time, but "to be fair", he faced several unexpected challenges."

What phrases are similar to "to be fair"?

Alternatives to "to be fair" include phrases like "in all fairness", "in fairness to", or "it should be noted that". These phrases also introduce a balanced perspective.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to be fair"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and stylistically acceptable to start a sentence with "to be fair". It functions as an introductory adverbial phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "to be fair" in writing?

Use "to be fair" when you want to acknowledge another side of an argument or provide a more balanced view. It's appropriate in situations where you want to show impartiality or give credit where it's due.