Fair vs. Fare: Know the Difference!

The Main Difference Between Fair and Fare

Key Takeaways

• Use “fair” for justice, equality, descriptions of appearance, weather, or events.
• Use “fare” for costs of travel, types of food, or performance in situations.

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Fair vs. Fare: The Definition

What Does Fair Mean?

Meaning: Has several meanings, often related to justice, impartiality, attractiveness, or weather.

Uses:

• Adjective: Describes something just, impartial, or honest.
  • Example: “She always tries to be fair when making decisions.”
• Adjective: Can also mean light in color, particularly with hair or skin.
  • Example: “He has fair hair.”
• Noun: Refers to a public event with entertainment, food, games, and rides.
  • Example: “We went to the county fair last weekend.”
• Adverb: Can describe weather that is mild and pleasant.
  • Example: “The weather was fair and sunny.”

What Does Fare Mean?

Meaning: Refers to a fee paid for transportation or can also mean food or range of offerings.

Uses:

• Noun: The price paid for a journey, such as on a bus, train, taxi, etc.
  • Example: “The fare for the bus ride is $2.”
• Noun: Can also refer to the type of food served or available.
  • Example: “The restaurant offers traditional Italian fare.”
• Verb: Means to perform or get along in a particular situation.
  • Example: “He didn’t fare well in the competition.”

Tips to Remember the Differences

• Fair: Associates with beauty (fair maiden) and impartiality (a fair decision).
• Fare: Relates to cost (taxi fare) and performance (fare poorly).

Common Mistakes with “Fair” and “Fare”

Using “fair” instead of “fare” for transportation fees:

• Incorrect: “How much is the fair to the airport?”
• Correct: “How much is the fare to the airport?”
• Explanation: “Fare” is the correct word when referring to the cost of travel.

Using “fare” instead of “fair” to describe justice or equality:

• Incorrect: “The judge’s decision was very fare.”
• Correct: “The judge’s decision was very fair.”
• Explanation: “Fair” is the appropriate word when describing something as just or impartial.

Confusing “fair” with “fare” in contexts involving events or weather:

• Incorrect: “We had great weather for the fare.”
• Correct: “We had great weather for the fair.”
• Explanation: “Fair” is the correct word when referring to a public event or describing pleasant weather.

Mixing them up when discussing food:

• Incorrect: “The festival had various fair on offer.”
• Correct: “The festival had various fare on offer.”
• Explanation: “Fare” is used to describe types of food available.

Fair vs. Fare: Examples

Example Sentences Using Fair

As a Noun

• You should visit the county fair this weekend; they have the best apple pies.
• The local community eagerly anticipates the annual fair, which features carnival rides, live music, and a variety of food vendors.
• Families enjoyed a fun-filled day at the county fair, exploring the exhibits, playing games, and indulging in delicious treats.

As an Adjective

• The judge ensured that all parties received a fair opportunity to present their case in court.
• We had a fair chance of winning the competition due to our team’s diligent preparation and skill.
• The teacher’s grading system was designed to be fair and impartial, ensuring that each student was assessed equitably.

Example Sentences Using Fare

As a Noun

• I purchased my train fare in advance to secure the best price for my journey.
• The cost of the fare for the bus ride was reasonable, making it an affordable transportation option.
• She realized she had forgotten her wallet only after she had arrived at the taxi stand, unable to pay the fare.

As a Verb

• She hoped her car would fare well in the harsh winter conditions.
• The team worked diligently to ensure the project would fare successfully in the competitive market.
• He wondered how the new restaurant would fare in the bustling downtown area.

Related Confused Words

Fair vs. Equal

• “Fair” refers to justice, impartiality, or equity, often focusing on the individual circumstances and needs of the parties involved. It implies that each person is treated in a manner that is just and reasonable, accounting for specific circumstances and ensuring that decisions or actions are free from bias or favoritism.
• “Equal” pertains to treating everyone in the same way, without differentiation or preference. It implies that individuals are given the same resources, opportunities, or treatment, regardless of individual circumstances or specific needs

Fare vs. Faze

• “Fare” typically refers to the cost of a journey on public transportation, the food provided on a journey, or how someone is progressing or getting along in a particular situation. Example: “The train fare to the city has increased.” “How did you fare in your exams?”
• “Faze” means to disturb, disconcert, or daunt, often used in the negative to indicate that someone is not affected by something. Example: “The criticism didn’t faze her; she remained confident.”