what is fair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is fair" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing fairness or justice in a situation. Example: "In this debate, we must consider what is fair for all parties involved." Alternative expressions include "what is just" and "what is equitable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what is fair?

The New York Times

Who decides what is "fair"?

Independent

DECIDE what is fair.

The New York Times

Farmer's rights: What is fair?

Cornell University

Wait, what is Fair Use?

Harvard University

Tell us what is fair!

Columbia University

"They just want what is fair".

The New York Times

It's arguing about what is fair.

The New York Times

He wants what is fair".

The New York Times - Sports

What is fair in this case?

Harvard University

What is fair is not always obvious.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is fair", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria or perspective being used to judge fairness. State whose definition of fair you are applying, as fairness is often subjective.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares the same understanding of fairness. Clearly articulate the principles or criteria you are using to define "what is fair" to prevent misunderstandings and promote constructive dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is fair" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the nature of fairness. It can also act as a noun phrase representing the concept of fairness itself, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what is fair" is a common inquiry used to question or discuss the concept of fairness across a multitude of contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While it appears simple, the meaning can be subjective, depending on individual values and the situation. Therefore, when using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the criteria for fairness you are referencing to avoid ambiguity and promote constructive dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what constitutes fairness

Focuses on defining the concept of fairness rather than simply asking what it is.

what defines equity

Replaces "fair" with "equity", emphasizing impartiality and justice.

what is just

Substitutes "fair" with "just", highlighting moral rightness and legality.

what is equitable

Uses the adjective "equitable" instead of "fair", stressing impartiality.

what embodies impartiality

Highlights the concept of being unbiased and objective.

what represents a fair outcome

Shifts the focus to the result of a process being fair.

how do we achieve fairness

Asks about the process of reaching a fair state or situation.

what are the hallmarks of justice

Explores the key characteristics of justice, a closely related concept.

how can equity be ensured

Focuses on guaranteeing fairness and justice in a system or situation.

what does a level playing field look like

Uses a metaphor to describe a fair and equal environment.

FAQs

How do you use "what is fair" in a sentence?

The phrase "what is fair" is used to inquire about or discuss the concept of fairness in a specific situation. For example, "The committee debated "what is fair" distribution of resources among the departments."

What are some synonyms for "what is fair"?

While there isn't a direct synonym, you can use phrases like "what is just", "what is equitable", or "what constitutes fairness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "what is fair" and "what is equal"?

"What is equal" refers to sameness in quantity or treatment, while ""what is fair"" considers the specific circumstances and may involve unequal treatment to achieve a just outcome. For example, giving extra support to students who are struggling may not be equal, but it could be considered fair.

How subjective is the concept of "what is fair"?

The concept of ""what is fair"" is highly subjective and depends on individual values, cultural norms, and the specific context. Different people may have vastly different ideas about what constitutes fairness in a given situation, making clear communication and justification essential.