to be fair though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be fair though" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a counterpoint or to acknowledge a different perspective in a discussion. Example: "To be fair though, he did put in a lot of effort on the project, even if the results weren't what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To be fair, though, it also has an image problem.

The New Yorker

To be fair, though, it wasn't just the OECD.

The New York Times

To be fair, though, that could mean anything.

The Guardian - Film

To be fair, though, I wouldn't leave him either.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To be fair, though, the choreographers often began with their own language equivalent: preset movement phrases.

The New York Times - Arts

To be fair, though, they did not sulk and lose their ambition.

The New York Times - Sports

To be fair, though, he's an all-purpose emoter, and plenty of other things motivate him.

The New York Times - Arts

To be fair, though, all her superbly Toyah-esque slap didn't just apply itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To be fair, though, the Audi A3 has a similar high-flying price structure.

The New York Times

To be fair, though, horse racing's problems began well before OTB.

The New York Times - Sports

To be fair, though, Mr. Weaver was working for Mr. Huntsman before Mr. Perry's name was in serious play.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "to be fair though" strategically within your sentence. It often works best at the beginning or in the middle of a clause to smoothly transition to a different perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "to be fair though" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by incorporating alternative phrases like "in all fairness" or "on the other hand".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be fair though" is that of a discourse marker. It serves to introduce a contrasting point, a qualification, or a concession, often adding balance or nuance to a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be fair though" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a contrasting or balancing point. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in neutral contexts such as news and media. While it effectively signals impartiality, overuse can lead to repetitiveness; therefore, varying your language with alternatives like "in all fairness" can enhance your writing. As supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase helps provide a balanced view of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all fairness

Emphasizes impartiality when introducing another viewpoint.

to give credit where it's due

Specifically acknowledges positive aspects that might be overlooked.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting perspective.

having said that

Acknowledges a previous statement but introduces a qualification or counterpoint.

that being said

Similar to "having said that", offering a slightly more formal tone.

with that in mind

Suggests a factor to consider before making a judgement.

in light of that

Highlights the importance of a previously mentioned fact.

however

Directly introduces a contrast or limitation.

nonetheless

Indicates a contrast despite what has been said previously.

all things considered

Encourages a holistic view before forming an opinion.

FAQs

What does "to be fair though" mean?

The phrase "to be fair though" is used to introduce a statement that balances a previous statement, often offering a different perspective or acknowledging a positive aspect amidst criticism. It indicates impartiality.

How do I use "to be fair though" in a sentence?

You can use "to be fair though" to transition to a contrasting point. For example: "The movie had some plot holes, but "to be fair though", the acting was excellent."

What are some alternatives to "to be fair though"?

Alternatives to "to be fair though" include "in all fairness", "on the other hand", "having said that", or "that being said". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to be fair though". It functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in perspective or the introduction of a counterpoint.