Guide 177 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “to be fair”

A concession-maker that occasionally earns its keep.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

Used well, it flags genuine counter-evidence. Used badly, it creates balance where none exists, or hedges a claim the writer still fully believes. "That said," "granted," or just the concession itself usually fits.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

To be fair, the team hit most of their goals.

After

Granted, the team hit most of their goals.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

Granted, neutral

concede a point

Granted, the team hit most goals.
02

In fairness formal

formal concession

In fairness, the team hit most goals.
03

That said neutral

pivot with balance

That said, the team hit most goals.
04

[delete it] neutral

when fairness isn't at issue

The team hit most goals.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

"Fair" is an adjective for judges; most writers just need "granted."