Fairs vs. Fares – Which is Correct?
The choice between fairs and fares depends entirely on context, as both are correct English words with distinct meanings. Fairs refers to public exhibitions, markets, or events, while fares denotes the money paid for a journey or a passenger. Understanding their individual definitions is key to proper usage.
For a comprehensive understanding, it’s also beneficial to examine the fundamental differences between fare vs. fair.
Fairs or Fares – Which is Correct?
Both “fairs” and “fares” are correct English words, but they are homophones, meaning they sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. The confusion often arises because of their identical pronunciation. To distinguish them, remember that “fairs” relates to events or equitable treatment, while “fares” relates to transportation costs or food.
A simple “swap test” can help: if you’re talking about an event, try substituting “festival” or “carnival.” If you’re talking about the cost of a ride, try substituting “ticket price” or “charge.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairs | Noun (plural) | Public exhibitions, markets, festivals; just or equitable treatment. | The county fairs are a beloved summer tradition. |
| Fares | Noun (plural); Verb (third person singular present) | The money charged for a journey on public transport; a passenger; how someone performs or progresses. | Bus fares have increased recently. He fares well in difficult situations. |
How to Use Fairs
“Fairs” is primarily used as a plural noun. It refers to gatherings, often for entertainment, trade, or education. These can range from agricultural fairs to job fairs or art fairs. It can also refer to the concept of fair treatment or conditions, as in “all’s fair in love and war.” The usage is generally neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: Many artisans showcased their crafts at the Renaissance fairs this year.
Example 2: The annual book fairs attract thousands of readers and authors.
Example 3: Despite the challenges, the competition was conducted with complete fairs to all participants.
What are the different forms of Fairs?
The word “fairs” is the plural form of the noun “fair.”
- Singular: fair (an event; just treatment)
- Plural: fairs (multiple events; multiple instances of just treatment)
- Adjective: fair (just, equitable, light-colored)
- Adverb: fairly (in a just manner, to a reasonable extent)
Etymology of the word Fairs
The word “fair” (from which “fairs” is derived) comes from Old English fæger, meaning “beautiful, pleasant, attractive.” Over time, its meaning evolved to include “just, equitable” and also “a gathering for trade or entertainment,” which likely stemmed from the idea of a pleasant or agreeable public assembly. The noun sense of a market or festival is recorded from the 13th century, evolving from the sense of a holiday or festival.
How to Use Fares
“Fares” is most commonly used as a plural noun referring to the cost of travel, such as bus fares, train fares, or taxi fares. It can also be the third-person singular present tense of the verb “fare,” meaning to perform or progress, as in “How fares your journey?” or “He fares well.” Its usage is straightforward and applicable in both formal and casual settings, particularly when discussing travel expenses or someone’s well-being/progress.
Example 1: We need to save up for the plane fares to visit our family abroad.
Example 2: The elderly often receive reduced fares on public transportation.
Example 3: The knight asked, “How fares the kingdom in my absence?”
What are the different forms of Fares?
The word “fares” can function as a plural noun or a verb.
- Singular Noun: fare (the cost of a journey; a passenger; food)
- Plural Noun: fares (multiple costs of journeys; multiple passengers)
- Verb (base form): fare (to get along, to perform)
- Verb (third person singular present): fares (He fares well.)
- Verb (past tense/participle): fared (They fared poorly.)
Etymology of the word Fares
The word “fare” (from which “fares” is derived) comes from the Old English faran, meaning “to journey, travel, wander, set forth, depart.” This root is related to the idea of movement. The sense of “money paid for a passage” developed in the 13th century, directly linking to the act of traveling. The noun sense of “food” or “provision” is also related to the sustenance needed for a journey.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “fairs” and “fares” highlights the concept of homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings (e.g., “to,” “too,” and “two”; “their,” “there,” and “they’re”). Recognizing that “fairs” and “fares” fall into this category is the first step in mastering their correct usage. Another related concept is homonyms, which are words that are spelled and pronounced the same but have different meanings (e.g., “bat” – a flying mammal vs. “bat” – a piece of sports equipment). While “fairs” and “fares” are not homonyms, understanding these linguistic categories helps clarify why such word pairs exist and how to approach them.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “All’s fair in love and war.” – John Lyly, Euphues (1578). (Refers to the concept of fairness, which is the root of “fairs” in this context).
- “The train fares are getting exorbitant; it’s cheaper to fly.” – A common complaint in modern news articles about public transport.
- “He fares best who receives the fewest blows.” – A proverb reflecting the verb form of “fare.”
- “The county fairs, with their bright lights and sugary smells, were the highlight of our summer.” – A typical description found in nostalgic memoirs.
- “London’s black cab fares are regulated, ensuring transparency for passengers.” – From an article discussing urban transportation.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The children loved the rides at the summer _____.
- How _____ your new business venture?
- Public transport _____ are often higher during peak hours.
- She attended several job _____ before finding the right position.
- The storyteller asked, “How _____ the hero on his quest?”
Answer Key
- fairs
- fares
- fares
- fairs
- fares
Fairs Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Exhibitions | Public displays of works of art, items of interest, or products. |
| Festivals | Days or periods of celebration, typically for religious reasons or traditional customs. |
| Carnivals | Public entertainments, typically including processions, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. |
| Markets | Regular gatherings for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, or other commodities. |
Fares Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tickets | A piece of paper or card that gives the holder a certain right, especially to enter a place or travel on public transport. |
| Charges | The amount of money that has to be paid for something. |
| Rates | A fixed price paid or charged for something. |
| Fees | A payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for advice or services. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “fare” be used as a singular noun for an event?
No, “fare” as a singular noun typically refers to the cost of travel, a passenger, or food. For an event, the singular form is “fair.”
Question 2: Is there a verb form of “fairs”?
No, “fairs” is exclusively a plural noun. The adjective form “fair” can be associated with verbs like “to be fair” or “to play fair,” but “fairs” itself is not a verb.
Question 3: How can I remember the difference between “fairs” and “fares”?
Think of “fairs” with an “i” for “invitations” to an event. Think of “fares” with an “e” for “expenses” or “economy” when traveling.
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between “fairs” and “fares” is straightforward once you understand their individual meanings and origins. “Fairs” typically refers to public events or equitable conditions, stemming from a root meaning of pleasantness or beauty. “Fares,” on the other hand, relates to the cost of travel or how one progresses, derived from a root meaning of journeying. By associating “fairs” with gatherings and “fares” with travel costs, you can confidently use each word correctly in your writing and speech.
Pro Tip: Using the wrong homophone can subtly undermine your credibility. Always double-check your spelling when dealing with words that sound alike but have different meanings to maintain a professional and polished image.