to be fair

Meaning

This expression is used to introduce a statement that adds balance, context, or a justifying perspective to a discussion. It acknowledges another side of an argument or explains why someone behaved a certain way, ensuring the judgment is balanced and not overly harsh.

Examples

• He was late today, but to be fair, his car wouldn't start this morning.

  He was late today, but to be fair, his car wouldn't start this morning.

• To be fair, she did warn us that the exam would be extremely difficult.

  To be fair, she did warn us that the exam would be extremely difficult.

• The restaurant was slow, but to be fair, they were completely understaffed.

  The restaurant was slow, but to be fair, they were completely understaffed.

• I don't really like his music, though to be fair, his latest album is quite good.

  I don't really like his music, though to be fair, his latest album is quite good.

• To be fair, it was his first time hosting a large event by himself.

  To be fair, it was his first time hosting a large event by himself.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ For being fair, he didn't know the rules.

  ✓ To be fair, he didn't know the rules.

  The phrase is a fixed infinitive construction. You cannot replace 'To be' with 'For being'.

• ✗ To be fair, but she worked hard.

  ✓ To be fair, she worked hard.

  Do not put 'but' immediately after 'to be fair' when starting a clause, as the phrase itself already acts as a contrasting transition.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The food wasn't great, but ___, it was a very cheap restaurant.

  💡 Considering the other side of the situation.

  Show answer

  to be fair

• ___, she didn't have much time to prepare for the presentation.

  💡 An expression used to justify or explain someone's situation.

  Show answer

  to be fair