'Fair' means just, light in colour, or a public event; 'fare' is the price of transport or how you get on.
Adjective: just, equitable. Also: light in complexion or hair colour. Noun: a public exhibition or market.
The judge made a fair and impartial decision.
She has fair skin that burns easily in the sun.
The city holds an annual trade fair every October.
Noun: the price you pay to travel on public transport. Verb: to get on or manage in a particular situation.
The taxi fare from the airport to the hotel was higher than expected.
How did you fare in the interview? Did they offer you the position?
Train fares have increased by eight percent this year.
Common mistake
Spelling confusion: "What is the train fair to London?" (correct: fare). Or writing "fair well" instead of the archaic farewell expression.
Trick to remember it
'Fair' has AI like 'air' — think of the fresh air at a fairground. 'Fare' rhymes with 'care' and 'share' — paying a fare is about sharing the cost of a journey.
Quick rule
Is it just, blonde, or a public event? 'Fair'. Is it the price of a journey or how you manage? 'Fare'.
Did you know?
The word 'farewell' comes from 'fare well' — meaning may your journey go well. The verb 'fare' originally meant to travel or to get along. So a farewell literally means 'may you travel well', which is why it is used as a parting wish.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The bus _____ doubled after the transport authority raised prices last month.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
It's not _____ that some employees get bonuses while others receive nothing.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it just, blonde, or a public event? 'Fair'. Is it the price of a journey or how you manage? 'Fare'.
Spelling confusion: "What is the train fair to London?" (correct: fare). Or writing "fair well" instead of the archaic farewell expression.
'Fair' has AI like 'air' — think of the fresh air at a fairground. 'Fare' rhymes with 'care' and 'share' — paying a fare is about sharing the cost of a journey.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy