to be fair to

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be fair to" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it to state that you are considering both sides of an argument and attempting to be objective. For example, "To be fair to both sides, I think that it's important to consider all of the available evidence before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Czernin wanted to be fair to Waldheim.

The New Yorker

To be fair to myself.. .

The Guardian - Books

We're looking to be fair to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to be fair to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

"We try to be fair to him.

The New Yorker

I wanted to be fair to him".

The New York Times - Books

Is she going to be fair to me?

The New York Times

We have a duty to be fair to him".

Independent

You have to be fair to your community.

The New York Times

And, of course, he wanted to be fair to Marla.

The New Yorker

"It's important to be fair to them," Mr. Snell said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be fair to", follow it with specific reasons or examples to support your statement. This makes your argument more convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be fair to" as a mere conversational filler. Ensure you have genuine points to present that contribute to a more balanced understanding; otherwise, your statement may sound insincere or empty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be fair to" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It is used to introduce a statement that offers a balanced or objective perspective, often following a criticism or negative assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be fair to" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce impartiality and balance into a discussion. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and indicates its widespread use across various contexts. To effectively use this phrase, it's essential to provide concrete examples and reasons to support your statement, avoiding overuse without substantial points. Remember, it is best used when a more balanced view or a counterargument is warranted, highlighting your commitment to objectivity. Common in news, sports, and professional settings, "to be fair to" is a versatile tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all fairness to

Emphasizes justice and impartiality in the statement.

to give credit where it's due to

Specifically highlights acknowledging someone's positive contribution.

it's only fair to say that

Introduces a statement that aims to provide a just assessment.

in fairness, it should be noted

Highlights the importance of mentioning a particular detail for the sake of fairness.

with due respect to

Shows deference while introducing a contrasting viewpoint.

to be objective

Highlights the intention to avoid bias.

to give a balanced view

Focuses on providing a comprehensive perspective.

considering all sides

Emphasizes the act of taking multiple perspectives into account.

to look at it objectively

Similar to 'to be objective' but more explicitly calls for a detached examination.

to take everything into account

Highlights that all relevant aspects should be considered to ensure fairness.

FAQs

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

Use "to be fair to" to introduce a counterpoint or to acknowledge positive aspects of a subject you are discussing, as in, "To be fair to the opposing team, they played well despite the difficult conditions."

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

You can use alternatives like "in all fairness to", "to give credit where it's due to", or "it's only fair to say that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be fair to"?

It's appropriate to use "to be fair to" when you want to present an unbiased view or recognize merits in something you are generally critical of. This demonstrates a balanced and objective perspective.

What's the difference between "to be fair to" and "to be honest"?

"To be fair to" introduces an objective perspective by acknowledging merits, while "to be honest" expresses a candid, personal opinion, regardless of fairness.