was fair enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was fair enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was reasonable or acceptable in a given context. Example: "After considering all the arguments, I concluded that his offer was fair enough to accept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That was fair enough.

Independent

But it was fair enough.

The Economist

Which was fair enough.

The Guardian

McVie said this was "fair enough.

The Guardian - Music

The weather turned all Scottish today, which was fair enough.

The Guardian - Books

Even his mum said that was fair enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

That's fair enough.

The New York Times

And this is fair enough.

The New York Times

And that's fair enough.

The New York Times

This is fair enough.

The New York Times

That's fair enough, you may say.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was fair enough" when you want to express acceptance or understanding of a situation, decision, or outcome, even if it's not ideal.

Common error

While "was fair enough" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language, such as "was reasonable" or "was justifiable", to convey your meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was fair enough" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or situation as being reasonably just or acceptable. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was fair enough" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey acceptance or understanding of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples demonstrate its widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain writing situations. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing whether to use "was fair enough" or a more formal equivalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was reasonable

Expresses a similar sense of acceptability but focuses more on the logical aspect.

was acceptable

Indicates something met the required standards or conditions.

was justifiable

Suggests there were valid reasons to support the action or decision.

was understandable

Focuses on the ease with which something could be comprehended or sympathized with.

was legitimate

Highlights the lawfulness or validity of something.

was appropriate

Indicates suitability for a particular purpose or situation.

was within reason

Suggests that something stayed within acceptable limits or boundaries.

was not unreasonable

Expresses the idea that something was tolerable and not excessive.

was a valid point

Focuses on the strength and relevance of an argument or idea.

was a reasonable compromise

Highlights the mutual concessions that led to an acceptable agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "was fair enough" in a sentence?

You can use "was fair enough" to indicate that something was acceptable or reasonable in a particular situation. For example: "The penalty "was fair enough" given the severity of the foul."

What are some alternatives to "was fair enough"?

Alternatives include "was reasonable", "was acceptable", or "was justifiable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was fair enough" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was fair enough" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "was appropriate" or "was legitimate" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "was fair enough" and "was ideal"?

"Was fair enough" suggests something met a minimum standard of acceptability, while "was ideal" implies it was the best possible outcome. Something that "was fair enough" may not have been ideal, but it was still acceptable.