was not fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not fair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was unjust or inequitable in a past situation. Example: "The decision to exclude her from the team was not fair, considering her contributions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was not fair.

The New Yorker

It was not fair".

The New York Times

"The court was not fair to us.

The New York Times

The process was not fair and open".

The New Yorker

"The trial was not fair".

The New York Times

It was not fair of him.

Harvard Business Review

Nearly all believed that poverty was not fair.

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

that Dr. Chickering's copying was not fair use.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It just wasn't fair".

The New Yorker

Perhaps that wasn't fair.

The New York Times

It just wasn't fair, was it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not fair", clearly state what specific aspect of the situation you perceive as unfair to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "was not fair" without explaining why. Provide concrete details to support your assertion and make your argument more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not fair" functions as a predicate adjective, expressing a judgment about the fairness of a past situation or event. It describes a state of being that is perceived as unjust or inequitable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was not fair" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a perception of injustice or inequity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. It functions as a predicate adjective and serves to convey disapproval or criticism. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific details about why something is perceived as unfair to enhance clarity and persuasiveness. Alternatives such as "was unjust" or "was inequitable" can be used to add nuance to the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unfair

Simple synonym for "was not fair"

was unjust

This alternative replaces "fair" with "just", focusing on the lack of justice in a situation.

was inequitable

This alternative highlights the lack of equality in a situation.

did not seem right

This phrase expresses a feeling that something was morally wrong or inappropriate.

was uncalled for

This suggests that something was unnecessary and inappropriate.

was out of line

This suggests that someone's behavior or actions exceeded the boundaries of what is acceptable.

was unwarranted

This phrase suggests that something was not justified or deserved.

was a miscarriage of justice

This phrase suggests that the legal system failed to deliver a fair outcome.

did not hold up

This phrase suggests that something was not sound and unable to resist scrutiny.

was a raw deal

This idiom means that someone received unfavorable treatment.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says something "was not fair"?

Saying something "was not fair" indicates a perception of injustice or inequity. It suggests that a situation, decision, or outcome disadvantaged someone or violated principles of fairness.

How can I use "was not fair" in a sentence?

You can use "was not fair" to express your opinion about the fairness of something. For example: "The distribution of resources "was not fair" to the smaller departments."

What are some alternatives to "was not fair"?

You can use alternatives like "was unjust", "was inequitable", or "was unwarranted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "was not fair" and "was unfair"?

"Was not fair" and "was unfair" are essentially synonymous. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.