26+ Other Ways to Say to Be Fair (40+ Examples)

A lot of people use the same old words when they talk. You might say to be fair, but it gets boring after a while. Mixing up your language keeps things fresh, and it helps you sound more like yourself. Maybe you want to sound smart, or maybe you just want to be funny. You have so many choices for your chats, emails, or notes. Keep reading for simple, better ways to say this.

Casual Ways to Say to Be Fair

In All Honesty

You can use this when you want to show you are telling the truth, even if it hurts. It works best when you are chatting with friends or family, and you want to keep things real. It sounds like you are being open, and it builds trust. People like it when you are clear, and this phrase helps you do that well.

  • In all honesty, that was a tough choice to make.
  • In all honesty, I think you did a great job today.
  • She told him, in all honesty, that she needed some space.
  • We should, in all honesty, pick a better time to meet.

Looking at Both Sides

This phrase is perfect when you want to show you have thought about everything. It makes you sound balanced, fair, and very thoughtful. Use this when you are trying to help two people agree, or when you are deciding on a hard plan. It is a very kind way to show you are not picking favorites, and it keeps the peace.

  • Looking at both sides, the answer seems quite clear to me.
  • He is good at looking at both sides before he acts.
  • We are looking at both sides, so we can make a choice.
  • Try looking at both sides, and you might see the truth.

To Be Totally Honest

You use this when you want to cut through the noise, and get to the point. It is great for texts or quick talks where you do not want to hide your feelings. It shows you are not trying to be fake, and your friend will likely appreciate that. Keep it simple, and use it when the moment feels right.

  • To be totally honest, I was not ready for that news.
  • He admitted, to be totally honest, that he forgot his keys.
  • To be totally honest, the food was not very good today.
  • She likes it when people are, to be totally honest, clear.

Truth Be Told

This is a classic way to start a thought, and it feels very natural. You use it when you are ready to share a small secret or a real opinion. It sounds a bit serious, but it is still friendly enough for a casual chat. People often use it when they want to be sure they are heard well.

  • Truth be told, I have never seen that movie before.
  • He is, truth be told, the best player on our team.
  • Truth be told, we should have started this task earlier.
  • She, truth be told, was surprised by the big party.

Honestly Speaking

Use this when you want to shift the talk to something real. It helps you stay focused, and it shows you are ready to be open. It fits well in almost any spot, and it is easy to say. You will sound like a good friend who cares about the facts, and that is always a nice thing.

  • Honestly speaking, that plan might cost too much money.
  • He is, honestly speaking, the only one who knows the truth.
  • Honestly speaking, we need a break from all this work.
  • She told them, honestly speaking, that she felt tired.

Keeping It Real

This is a fun way to say you are being honest. You might say it to a close friend, or someone you know well. It is very chill, and it takes the pressure off a hard talk. If you want to show you are relaxed, this is the perfect phrase to pick. It feels very modern and easy to understand.

  • Keeping it real, we did not have enough time to finish.
  • He is just keeping it real about his new job choice.
  • We are, keeping it real, going to be late for dinner.
  • Keeping it real, that was a funny mistake to make.

To Tell You the Truth

Use this when you want to show you are being very sincere. It is a good way to start a deeper talk, and it shows you care about your friend. It is not too fancy, but it sounds very clear. You can use it in a text or when you are grabbing lunch with someone you trust.

  • To tell you the truth, I was lost for a while.
  • He said, to tell you the truth, that he was nervous.
  • To tell you the truth, we should try a new path.
  • She wants, to tell you the truth, to visit the beach.

If I Am Being Real

This phrase is great for when you want to drop the act. You are showing you are honest, and you are not playing any games. It works well with friends, and it sounds like you are being a true pal. Use it when things feel a bit fake, and you want to bring them back to earth.

  • If I am being real, that was a bit mean to say.
  • He, if I am being real, is not the right person.
  • If I am being real, I need some help with this.
  • She is, if I am being real, doing better than before.

Candidly

This is a shorter way to say you are being open. It is a fancy word, but it works in a casual way too. You can use it when you want to sound a bit smart, but still kind. It is quick, and it gets the job done without using too many words. It is perfect for a quick chat.

  • Candidly, I think we need a new way to work.
  • He, candidly, told her that the plan would not work.
  • Candidly, I hope you have a great time at the show.
  • She spoke, candidly, about her love for old music.

Frankly

Use this when you want to state a fact that might be hard to hear. It is direct, but not mean, and it shows you are not wasting time. It is great for quick check-ins, or when you are trying to solve a problem fast. People will know exactly where you stand when you use this word.

  • Frankly, I did not expect to win the game today.
  • He said, frankly, that he wanted to go home now.
  • Frankly, that is not how we should do things here.
  • She, frankly, was the only one who saw the error.

Professional Ways to Say to Be Fair

In the Interest of Balance

Use this when you are in a meeting, and you want to show you are looking at all sides. It sounds very grown up, and it keeps the team calm. It is a great way to start a comment that might change a plan. People will see you as a leader who cares about doing things right.

  • In the interest of balance, let us hear from both sides.
  • He, in the interest of balance, asked for more data.
  • We must, in the interest of balance, review all facts.
  • In the interest of balance, the team voted for a change.

Considering All Perspectives

This phrase is very helpful when you want to sound thoughtful at work. It shows you are not making a rush choice, and you are thinking about everyone. It is perfect for emails, or when you are presenting a new idea to your boss. It makes you sound very smart and also very kind.

  • Considering all perspectives, the new plan looks good to us.
  • She is, considering all perspectives, the best for the role.
  • Considering all perspectives, we should wait until next week.
  • He, considering all perspectives, made the right final choice.

To Be Objective

When you want to remove your own feelings from a choice, use this. It helps you sound like you are just looking at the facts. It is great for reports, or when you have to solve a tough work problem. People will trust your choice because they see you are trying to be fair.

  • To be objective, the data shows that we should save cash.
  • He tried, to be objective, to judge the work on its own.
  • To be objective, this project has both good and bad parts.
  • She is, to be objective, the most skilled person we have.

Taking Everything Into Account

Use this when you want to show you have thought about the big picture. It is a great way to end a long talk about a hard subject. It shows you have listened to everyone, and you are ready to make a final move. It makes you sound very steady and very reliable.

  • Taking everything into account, the sale was a great success.
  • He, taking everything into account, decided to take a break.
  • Taking everything into account, we are ready to move on.
  • She is, taking everything into account, very happy here now.

Giving Credit Where It is Due

This is a wonderful phrase to use when you want to be fair to someone. Use it when you are talking about a team member who did a great job. It shows you are not a jealous person, and you know how to support others. It makes you a very popular teammate.

  • Giving credit where it is due, she really saved the day.
  • He is, giving credit where it is due, a very hard worker.
  • Giving credit where it is due, the design team was great.
  • She said, giving credit where it is due, that he helped.

Impartially

This is a short way to say you are not taking sides. It sounds very official, and it works well when you are the one in charge. It shows you are calm, and you want what is best for the group. Use it when you need to make a firm, fair choice for everyone.

  • Impartially, the judge had to pick the best entry today.
  • He tried, impartially, to see who did the best work here.
  • Impartially, the rules apply to everyone in the whole office.
  • She, impartially, gave the prize to the person who won.

With an Open Mind

Use this when you want to show you are ready to hear new ideas. It is a very positive way to start a talk, and it shows you are not stuck in your ways. People will feel safe sharing their thoughts with you. It is a great way to build a good, friendly office team.

  • With an open mind, we looked at the new project plans.
  • He is, with an open mind, waiting to hear your feedback.
  • With an open mind, she learned how to use the system.
  • We, with an open mind, want to try something very new.

Weighing the Facts

When you have a lot of info and need to pick a path, use this. It shows you are doing the work to find the right answer. It makes you sound very focused, and it is a great way to show you are not just guessing. It is a very solid, professional, and clear phrase.

  • Weighing the facts, I think we have a strong case here.
  • He is, weighing the facts, sure that we should wait now.
  • Weighing the facts, the team found a way to fix it.
  • She, weighing the facts, chose the path that was safest.

Playful Ways to Say to Be Fair

Let Us Give Credit

This is a light way to say you want to be nice to someone. It feels less stiff than other phrases. Use it when you are chatting with friends about a game, or a movie, or who did the best work. It is a fun, easy way to keep the vibe friendly and cool.

  • Let us give credit, he really did try his best today.
  • She said, let us give credit, to the team that helped.
  • Let us give credit, that was a very funny joke told.
  • He, let us give credit, was the star of the night.

To Keep Score Right

Use this when you are talking about a friendly game or a bet. It sounds like you are just making sure things are done well. It is a fun way to bring a bit of play into your talk. It shows you care about the rules, but you are not being mean.

  • To keep score right, you did win that last round too.
  • He, to keep score right, gave everyone a fair turn now.
  • To keep score right, let us check the numbers one more.
  • She is, to keep score right, the best at this game here.

Putting Cards on the Table

This is a fun way to say you are being honest. It sounds like a card game, and it is a very common way to talk. It shows you are ready to be open, and you are not hiding anything. It is great for a chat where you want to be real.

  • Putting cards on the table, I did not like that movie.
  • He is, putting cards on the table, a bit sad about it.
  • Putting cards on the table, we should just tell the truth.
  • She, putting cards on the table, wants to go home early.

Playing It Straight

This phrase makes you sound like a cool character in a book. It means you are doing things the right way. It is a bit retro, and it sounds fun when you use it in a normal chat. It is a great way to show you are a good person.

  • Playing it straight, I think we should share the prize.
  • He is, playing it straight, the most honest guy I know.
  • Playing it straight, let us see who really finished first.
  • She, playing it straight, told the truth about the car.

Being a Good Sport

Use this when you want to praise someone for being nice, even if they lost. It is a very sweet thing to say. It shows you are kind, and you know how to treat others well. It is a great way to lift someone up when they feel down.

  • Being a good sport, he shook hands with the other team.
  • She is, being a good sport, happy for her friend today.
  • Being a good sport, they did not mind waiting in line.
  • He, being a good sport, shared his snacks with us all.

Fair is Fair

This is a very simple and catchy way to say you want to be right. You can use it in almost any spot. It has a nice rhythm, and it is very easy to say. It shows you are firm, but you are also just a regular, nice person, which is cool.

  • Fair is fair, so you should get the first piece now.
  • He, fair is fair, decided to split the cost with me.
  • Fair is fair, and I want to help you too today.
  • She is, fair is fair, always kind to all her friends.

Let Us Call a Spade a Spade

This is an old way of saying you are calling things as they are. It sounds a bit funny and wise. You can use it when you want to point out the truth, even if it is a bit plain. It shows you are smart and very observant.

  • Let us call a spade a spade, that work was not done.
  • He, let us call a spade a spade, is not going to go.
  • Let us call a spade a spade, we are all very tired.
  • She is, let us call a spade a spade, the best leader.

Giving the Devil His Due

This is a fun way to say you are giving credit to someone you do not always like. It is a common saying that people will know. It shows you are being fair, even when it is hard to be. It is a great way to sound very mature.

  • Giving the devil his due, he did fix the sink well.
  • She, giving the devil his due, made a good point then.
  • Giving the devil his due, that was a smart move by him.
  • He is, giving the devil his due, a very fast runner now.

On the Level

This means you are being honest and fair. It is a very simple way to say you are a good, true person. Use it when you want to show you are trustworthy. It sounds like you are being very solid, and people really like that about a person.

  • On the level, I did not mean to break your favorite mug.
  • He is, on the level, the best person to ask for help.
  • On the level, we should try to finish this task today.
  • She, on the level, wants to make sure we are all okay.

Creative Ways to Say to Be Fair

Seeing Through a Clear Lens

This is a lovely way to say you are looking at things without bias. It sounds poetic, and it shows you are a thoughtful person. You can use it when you want to be extra careful with your words. It is great for a calm, deep talk with someone you care about.

  • Seeing through a clear lens, I think we have a chance.
  • He is, seeing through a clear lens, looking for the truth.
  • Seeing through a clear lens, she saw why he felt hurt.
  • We, seeing through a clear lens, picked the best color.

Removing the Blinders

This means you are looking at the whole picture now. It is a great way to say you have changed your mind because you learned more. It sounds like you are growing, which is a very good thing to show. People will respect your growth and your clear way of thinking.

  • Removing the blinders, I see that you were right today.
  • He, removing the blinders, finally saw the real problem.
  • Removing the blinders, we made a much better choice now.
  • She is, removing the blinders, more open to new ideas.

Laying Out the Whole Story

Use this when you want to be sure everyone knows all the facts. It is a good way to start a long talk where you want to be very fair. It makes you sound organized, and it helps everyone follow along. It is perfect for telling a long tale or story.

  • Laying out the whole story, it seems like a big mistake.
  • He is, laying out the whole story, helping us learn fast.
  • Laying out the whole story, she showed why she was sad.
  • We, laying out the whole story, hope you understand now.

Giving Both Sides a Voice

This is a very kind way to say you are listening to everyone. It shows you are a good friend, and you want to be a bridge between people. It makes you sound very patient. Use this when you are in the middle of a talk with two different folks.

  • Giving both sides a voice, the talk went very well indeed.
  • He, giving both sides a voice, kept the peace at work.
  • Giving both sides a voice, she helped us reach a deal.
  • We are, giving both sides a voice, feeling much better.

Striking a Balance

Use this when you are trying to make things even. It is a very useful way to show you are working hard to be fair. It sounds very smart, and it is easy to say. You will sound like someone who knows how to make things work out for everyone.

  • Striking a balance, we picked a time that works for all.
  • He is, striking a balance, trying to be good to both.
  • Striking a balance, she put half the work into each box.
  • We, striking a balance, want to be fair to the team.

With a Steady Hand

This means you are being fair and calm. It is a nice way to say you are not letting your feelings run wild. It sounds like you are in control, which is a great feeling. Use it when you are handling a tough spot and want to be very steady.

  • With a steady hand, she managed the group with great care.
  • He, with a steady hand, fixed the error in the report.
  • With a steady hand, we can make this project look good.
  • She is, with a steady hand, leading us to a win now.

Putting Fairness First

This is a very strong way to say what you care about. It shows you have good values. People will trust you if they know you always put fairness first. It is a great way to show your character, and it sounds very kind and very clear.

  • Putting fairness first, we gave everyone an equal prize.
  • He is, putting fairness first, the person we all trust.
  • Putting fairness first, she stood up for the new kid.
  • We, putting fairness first, think this is the best path.

Direct Ways to Say to Be Fair

Let Us Be Clear

This is a very firm way to start a talk. It means you want to avoid any confusion. It is great for when things have been messy, and you want to get back on track. People will listen when you say this, because it sounds like you mean business.

  • Let us be clear, we are not going to leave just yet.
  • He is, let us be clear, the one who broke the vase.
  • Let us be clear, this is the only way we can win.
  • She, let us be clear, wants us to work on this now.

Honestly

Sometimes, one word is all you need. It is quick, it is simple, and it works every time. Use it when you want to make sure someone knows you are not lying. It is the most direct way to get your point across, and it saves a lot of time.

  • Honestly, I think you should take that new job today.
  • He, honestly, did not know that you were coming home.
  • Honestly, we need to find a way to pay for this.
  • She is, honestly, the best friend I have ever had now.

To Be Just

This is a very strong and wise way to say you are being fair. It sounds like you are being a judge. It is great for when you are making a tough decision that affects others. It shows you care about doing the right thing, and nothing else.

  • To be just, we must give everyone a chance to speak.
  • He, to be just, told the boss that everyone helped out.
  • To be just, the rules should apply to all of us here.
  • She is, to be just, trying to fix the big mistake now.

Fairly Speaking

This is a simple way to start a comment. It sounds very balanced, and it is easy to use in any chat. It shows you have thought about the topic, and you are ready to share your view. It is a very safe and solid phrase for your daily talk.

  • Fairly speaking, that is a lot of money for one toy.
  • He is, fairly speaking, much better at math than I am.
  • Fairly speaking, we could have done a better job here.
  • She, fairly speaking, did a lot for the whole team.

Simply Put

Use this when you want to summarize a long or hard idea. It makes things easy for everyone to understand. It is a great way to show you are not trying to be fancy, you just want to be clear. People will like how easy you make things.

  • Simply put, we need more time to finish the work now.
  • He is, simply put, not happy with the way things are.
  • Simply put, we should just say no to that bad plan.
  • She, simply put, wants to go to the park today.

To Give It to You Straight

This means you are going to tell the truth, even if it is hard. It is a very honest way to talk. Your friends will trust you because they know you will not sugarcoat things for them. It is a great way to show you are a true, real friend.

  • To give it to you straight, you need to practice more.
  • He, to give it to you straight, is going to move away.
  • To give it to you straight, this car is very old now.
  • She is, to give it to you straight, not ready yet.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Alternate PhraseBest Situation or AudienceTone/Feeling
In all honestyCasual talk with friendsSincere
Looking at both sidesMaking group decisionsThoughtful
To be totally honestQuick textingOpen
Truth be toldSharing secretsSerious but kind
Honestly speakingReal talkDirect
Keeping it realChill hangoutRelaxed
To tell you the truthTrusted friendsSincere
If I am being realCasual chatHonest
CandidlyQuick professional talkQuick
FranklySolving problems fastDirect
In the interest of balanceWorkplace meetingsProfessional
Considering all perspectivesPresentation to bossSmart
To be objectiveSerious reportsNeutral
Taking everything into accountFinalizing plansReliable
Giving credit where it is duePraising a teammateKind
ImpartiallyJudging a contestOfficial
With an open mindMeeting new peoplePositive
Weighing the factsLogical analysisFocused
Let us give creditFriendly game chatPlayful
To keep score rightCompetitive playFun

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these new ways to say to be fair useful for your daily life. It is always a good time to freshen up how you talk. Pick the phrases that feel most like you, and have fun using them. Good luck with all your future chats, and enjoy being clear, honest, and kind.

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David Nolan

I'm David Nolan, and words are kind of my thing. Lately I've been obsessed with "respond" and all the fun ways to say it, think reply, answer, react, and more. This blog is my little space to share those finds and help you sound less repetitive and more you. Grab a coffee, stick around, and let's talk words together.