were fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were fair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing past events or situations where fairness was a characteristic or quality. Example: "The judges concluded that the competition rules were fair and applied equally to all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were fair".

The Guardian - Opinion

The people were fair".

The New York Times - Sports

"They were fair," he said.

The New York Times

"They were fair with me.

The New York Times - Sports

The June awards were fair.

The Guardian

Nasheed had said the elections were fair.

The Guardian

It wouldn't pass at all if life were fair.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

These were fair-value investments; we wrote them down.

The New York Times

The women were fair-weather, ignorant, and not to be trusted.

Vice

Our results on intra-observer reliability were fair-to-moderate.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Finally, for BCC they were fair hair, pale eyes, frequent sunburns and holidays at the beach.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were fair", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being judged as fair, providing specific details to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the terms of the agreement were fair" rather than just "they were fair".

Common error

Avoid using "were fair" as a standalone statement without context. Instead, clarify what aspect was considered fair to prevent misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "the results were fair", specify "the results of the experiment were fair because the methodology was unbiased".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were fair" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject in the past. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in evaluating past actions, decisions, or conditions as equitable and unbiased. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were fair" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe past situations or actions as impartial and just. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, it's essential to provide sufficient context to clarify what specific aspect is being evaluated for fairness. For alternatives, consider using ""were just"", ""were equitable"", or ""were impartial"" to add nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were just

Focuses on the moral rightness and equity of the situation.

were equitable

Highlights the impartiality and equal treatment involved.

were impartial

Emphasizes the lack of bias or prejudice.

were unbiased

Similar to 'impartial', but stresses the absence of preconceived notions.

were reasonable

Indicates that the actions or decisions were logical and sensible.

were appropriate

Suggests the actions or decisions were suitable for the situation.

were honest

Emphasizes truthfulness and integrity in the process.

were legitimate

Highlights the lawfulness and validity of the actions.

were accurate

Focuses on the correctness and precision of information or assessments.

were righteous

Emphasizes the moral correctness and virtue of the actions.

FAQs

How can I use "were fair" in a sentence?

You can use "were fair" to describe past events or situations where impartiality or justice was present. For example, "The judges ensured that the competition rules "were fair" and applied equally to all participants".

What can I say instead of "were fair"?

Alternatives include "were just", "were equitable", or "were impartial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was fair" instead of "were fair"?

No, "was fair" is used with singular subjects, while "were fair" is used with plural subjects or when referring to a past state of being. For example, "the decision was fair", but "the terms "were fair"".

What's the difference between "were fair" and "seemed fair"?

"Were fair" implies an objective assessment of fairness, while "seemed fair" suggests a subjective perception or appearance of fairness. If something "seemed fair", it might not actually have been fair upon closer examination. If something "were fair" there is no subjectivity attached to its impartiality.