“More Fair” or “Fairer”: Which Is the Correct Choice?

When it comes to comparisons in the English language, one of the common areas of confusion is the use of comparatives. Should you say “more fair” or “fairer”? This question has perplexed many, and as with many language queries, the answer depends on a mix of grammar rules, usage, and context.

So, let’s dive in to understand the subtleties of this comparison.

In this article, we’ll explore the comparative forms of adjectives, particularly focusing on the word “fair,” and we’ll provide practical sentence examples, contextual scenarios, and insights into the grammar structure of comparatives.

Along the way, we’ll touch on formal writing versus casual conversation, the differences between British English and American English, and the evolution of language.

The Basics of Comparatives in English

In English, comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or people. Typically, the comparative form is created by adding the suffix -er to a one-syllable adjective, or by using “more” before adjectives with two or more syllables.

For example:

• Fair (one-syllable) becomes fairer in the comparative.
• Beautiful (two syllables) becomes more beautiful.

However, comparative usage isn’t always as straightforward as simply following these rules. Certain adjectives, like “fair,” stir up debates regarding the correct choice of the comparative form: fairer or more fair.

The Word “Fair”: A Look at Its Origins and Usage

Before we dive into the specifics of fairer and more fair, let’s quickly review the adjective “fair” and its moral comparison implications. The word “fair” generally refers to equity, justice, or balance. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, as in:

• Literal: “The weather is fair today.”
• Figurative: “She believes in fairness for all people.”

Over time, “fair” has also evolved to describe a more physical appearance (e.g., “fair skin”), but in most cases, when comparing fairness, it’s associated with the idea of justice.

“Fairer” vs. “More Fair”: The Grammar Rules

In formal contexts, including academic language, grammar guides typically suggest using fairer as the correct comparative form. According to comparative grammar, most one-syllable adjectives follow the simple rule of adding the -er suffix. So, fairer seems to be the natural choice.

Example Scenario: Formal Email

Let’s say you’re writing a formal email to a colleague, perhaps named David, discussing a fair solution to a workplace issue. You might write:

Subject: Proposal for a Fairer Solution to the Issue

Dear David,

I’ve been considering our recent discussion about how we can address the workload distribution among team members. After reviewing the data, I believe there is a fairer way to assign tasks that takes everyone’s strengths into account.

By making adjustments, we can ensure a more equitable distribution without overwhelming anyone. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best regards,
Emma

Here, “fairer” is used to indicate a comparative level of fairness between two options, in this case, comparing the original workload distribution with the adjusted one.

The Case for “More Fair”

Despite the common preference for fairer in formal writing, some people argue that more fair is a valid comparative form, especially when the speaker or writer aims for clarity.

This usage tends to occur in more casual conversation or when seeking a balance between clarity and precision.

Why Use “More Fair” in Certain Contexts?

In spoken language, you may encounter more fair when a speaker is trying to avoid the slightly more awkward sound of “fairer.”

While it may not follow the typical rule for one-syllable adjectives, the construction “more fair” can be used for stylistic reasons or to make the sentence feel more natural.

Example Scenario: Casual Conversation

Imagine a casual conversation between two friends, Sophie and James, discussing fairness at a community event. Sophie might say:

Sophie: “I think that approach would be more fair to everyone. It feels like it includes all viewpoints, don’t you think?”

James: “Yeah, you’re right. That does seem like a fairer option.”

Here, Sophie uses “more fair” because she might find it easier to pronounce or feels that it sounds more natural in casual speech, though James follows up with fairer.

British vs. American English: Regional Preferences

One of the fascinating aspects of comparative usage is how it varies between British English and American English.

Generally, British English tends to favor fairer, whereas American English might be more open to using more fair.

Example Scenario: Academic Context

Consider a scholarly article written by an American academic, Dr. Susan Harris, about the concept of fairness in educational systems. She might write:

In the context of school policies, we are constantly striving to create a fairer environment for all students.

However, certain programs may require adjustments to be more fair to students from diverse backgrounds.

Here, Dr. Harris uses both “fairer” and “more fair” in different parts of the argument, showcasing the flexibility of comparative forms in American English. In contrast, a British English writer might avoid “more fair” entirely and stick to “fairer” for consistency.

The Role of Phonetic Simplicity

Another reason why some might prefer “more fair” over “fairer” lies in phonetic simplicity. The two-syllable structure of “fair” sometimes leads people to feel that “more fair” flows better when speaking.

This is especially true in informal contexts, where speech tone tends to be more relaxed.

Clarity in Writing: A Key Factor

In both formal writing and academic language, clarity and precision are paramount. If using “more fair” helps your audience understand your point more easily, it could be a preferred choice, especially when the structure of the sentence calls for it.

However, in most academic or professional writing, fairer remains the grammatically correct option.

Misconceptions in Grammar

One common misconception in grammar is that “more fair” might be considered incorrect. However, as we’ve seen, language evolution trends and regional grammar differences have allowed for some flexibility in this area.

It’s crucial to remember that language adaptation over time can lead to different syntax choices and comparisons in language.

Understanding Comparative Structure in Different Contexts

The choice between fairer and more fair often depends on the context and audience. In academic language, a clearer structure may require “fairer,” while in casual conversation, more fair might sound more natural.

Example Scenario: Academic Paper

Imagine a researcher writing about moral philosophy. She might say:

“John Rawls’ theory aims to make society fairer for all citizens. By introducing the more fair concept of the difference principle, Rawls argued that inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged.”

Notice how the researcher chooses “fairer” in the first sentence and “more fair” in the second, to emphasize different nuances of fairness.

Conclusion: Formal vs. Informal Usage

The choice between “fairer” and “more fair” ultimately comes down to context, tone, and audience. While fairer remains the standard in formal writing, more fair may be acceptable or even preferable in informal speech depending on regional language preferences or the speaker’s stylistic choice.

When writing in formal contexts, especially in British English, you’ll generally want to stick with fairer. However, in American English, more fair might pop up from time to time in everyday conversation.

Remember, both are technically correct, but understanding their usage in various contexts will help you sound more precise and natural.

So next time you’re faced with the choice, consider your audience and the tone of your writing whether you’re aiming for clarity in academic language, a natural flow in casual conversation, or a balanced approach in formal correspondence. The English language is dynamic, and comparative usage will continue to evolve with it.