Faired Or Fared| Difference Explained

The words “faired” and “fared” are perfect examples of this phenomenon. Both words sound identical when spoken, yet they convey different meanings, leading to frequent confusion among many people. When two words are pronounced the same way but have different meanings, we refer to them as homophones.

Understanding the nuances of the English language can be a challenge, especially when it comes to homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings. Two commonly confused terms are “faired” and “fared.” While they may sound identical in conversation, their meanings and uses diverge significantly. This article aims to clarify these distinctions and provide helpful examples to ensure proper usage. By mastering these differences, you can enhance your writing and communication skills.

Is It Faired Or Fared?

“Faired” should be used when you are referring to the past tense of “fair,” or when discussing something that is joining together or smoothing out. In contrast, “fared” is the correct choice when discussing how someone did in a situation, how they traveled, or what has happened to them. Among the two, “fared” is the more commonly used term.

Examples Using “Fared”

• She fared well in her exams, earning high marks.
• How have you fared since the last time we spoke?
• The team fared better than expected during the tournament.
• They fared the passengers before the flight took off.
• After the storm, the neighborhood fared quite well, with minimal damage.
• He fared well on his trip across the country, enjoying every moment.
• Despite the challenges, she fared admirably in her new job.
• How have you fared with your new exercise routine?

Examples Using “Faired”

• They faired the surface of the table to make it smooth.
• The engineers faired the design of the car for better aerodynamics.
• She has faired her appearance over the years, looking more radiant.
• The crew faired the edges of the wings to improve performance.
• He faired the wood until it was polished and ready for finishing.
• The builders faired the walls to ensure a level finish.
• As the seasons changed, the garden faired beautifully, showcasing vibrant colors.

Is It “Faired Well” Or “Fared Well”?

When using the phrase “fared well,” the correct spelling is definitely “fared well.” In this context, “fared” means to get along or to perform well. Thus, if someone were to say they “fared well” in an activity, it indicates a positive outcome. On the other hand, the phrase “fair well” lacks meaning, as “fair” does not relate to the intended definition.

Examples

• She fared well in her exams.
• The team fared well despite the bad weather.
• He fared well after the surgery.
• They fared well in the stock market last year.
• The company fared well in the face of competition.
• The soldiers fared well during the mission.
• We fared well on our road trip, encountering few problems.
• The patient fared well during the operation.
• The athletes fared well in the international competition.
• The business fared well in the recent economic downturn.
• Despite the challenges, the event fared well.
• He fared well after moving to a new city.
• The students fared well under the new curriculum.
• The relationship fared well despite the long distance.
• Her health fared well with the new diet and exercise plan.

Examples for “faired” (technical or niche use):

• The ship’s hull was faired to reduce drag in the water.
• The architect ensured that the walls were faired perfectly for aesthetic consistency.
• The engineer faired the curves of the airplane wings for better aerodynamics.
• The carpenter faired the edges of the table to make it smooth.
• The yacht’s keel was faired for better performance during races.
• The designer faired the lines of the car to improve its appearance.
• He faired the seams of the metal panels to create a seamless look.
• The craftsman faired the wood to eliminate rough spots.
• After the repairs, the hull was faired and polished.
• The technician faired the surfaces of the jet to optimize airflow.
• They faired the curves of the sculpture to make it smoother.
• The fiberglass was faired and sanded to achieve a smooth finish.
• The joints were faired to make the connection flush and even.
• The boat’s surface was faired to ensure it would move efficiently through the water.
• The rough spots on the airplane fuselage were faired to improve aerodynamics.

What Is The Meaning Of “Faired Or Fared”?

As mentioned earlier, the term “faired” is often misunderstood. When you want to use a word that sounds like “faired,” you will almost always want to spell it as “fared” for accuracy. The term “fair” functions as the past tense of “fair.” In this sense, to be “fair” means something is just or equal; or, when referring to appearance, it indicates that someone is attractive. Therefore, using “faired” in the context of looks means that a person has become more attractive over time.

Understanding the distinction between these two words is crucial, as it will help you avoid making mistakes in the future. Very few native English speakers ever use “faired,” as there are often better alternatives to convey the same idea, making it less worthwhile to risk errors with language rules.

5 Examples Of How To Use “Faired”

Let’s explore some sentences demonstrating the use of “faired.” Note that this term is rarely encountered in everyday conversation, but understanding its application is still valuable:

• They faired the wing of their airplane.
• We faired the wood until it was smooth.
• She’s faired over time.
• He has faired over the last year.
• They faired the walls to get rid of the lumps.

What Is The Meaning Of “Faired Or Fared”?

Now, let’s focus on the far more common word, “fared.” This term encompasses several meanings and is more fitting for use in expressions such as “fared well.” Here, “fared” indicates that someone or something has gotten along or performed an activity. When “well” is added, it signifies that the activity was completed positively, without major issues.

Additionally, “fared” can relate to being charged a fare (such as for a train or bus ticket) and can also imply how someone performed or survived over a period of time. In most cases, you will use “fared” rather than “faired,” and the following examples illustrate this preference.

5 Examples Of How To Use “Fared”

Here are some examples showcasing how to use “fared.” You will notice that the phrase “fared well” is the most prevalent:

• The staff fared well with the project.
• He fared well with the task.
• They fared the passengers before they could board the train.
• How have you fared with the medicine?
• Have you fared well with what we gave you?

What Is The Difference Between “Fair” And “Fare”?

We have already discussed the distinctions between “faired” and “fared,” but now let’s clarify their present tense forms. To simplify, the differences between “fair” and “fare” mirror those of their past tense counterparts. “Fair” means to keep something even or for someone to become more attractive. Conversely, “fare” refers to charging someone money or signifies how someone got along in a situation. In essence, the meanings are similar, with the tense being the only difference.

How To Remember If The Correct Spelling Is Faired Or Fared

To aid in remembering the correct spelling, consider this simple tip: recognize that we rarely (if ever) use the past tense of “fair.” Most people will say “fared,” while “faired” is seldom heard. A helpful mnemonic is to drop the “i” when thinking of “fared.” Additionally, since there is no common phrase incorporating “faired,” while “fared well” is widely used, this can reinforce your understanding.

By learning these differences, you will enhance your grasp of language rules!

Quiz: Have You Mastered Faired Or Fared Grammar?

To conclude, here’s a quiz to assess your understanding of the content. Answers will be provided at the end for you to check your accuracy.

• She (A. faired / B. fared) well with the task.
• My word, he’s (A. faired / B. fared) nicely.
• We (A. faired / B. fared) well with the project, thanks for asking.
• Have you (A. faired / B. fared) the walls like I asked?
• How have you (A. faired / B. fared) lately?

Quiz Answers

• B
• A
• B
• A
• B

FAQs

What is the difference between “faired” and “fared”?

The key difference lies in their meanings and uses. “Faired” is the past tense of “fair,” referring to making something smooth or just. In contrast, “fared” pertains to how someone performed or got along in a situation, making it more commonly used in everyday language.

Is “faired” ever correct to use in a sentence?

Yes, “faired” can be used, but its applications are quite limited. It is primarily employed in contexts related to smoothing or making something fair. However, most people will rarely encounter this term, and it’s generally safer to use “fared” instead.

Why is “fared well” the correct phrase?

The phrase “fared well” is correct because it means that someone did well or succeeded in a task. Here, “fared” indicates performance, while “well” adds a positive connotation. Conversely, “faired well” does not hold any recognized meaning in English.

Can “fared” refer to something other than performing?

Yes, “fared” can also mean to charge someone a fare, such as for transportation. It has a broader application beyond just performance, which makes it a more versatile word in the English language.

How can I remember the difference between the two words?

A helpful tip is to focus on the context in which these words are used. Since “fared” is often associated with common phrases like “fared well,” you can remember to use it in situations involving performance or outcomes. Additionally, recalling that “faired” is rarely used can help you choose the correct term more confidently.

Are there other homophones like “faired” and “fared”?

Yes, the English language is full of homophones. Examples include “their” and “there,” or “knight” and “night.” Understanding these distinctions can greatly improve your clarity and effectiveness in communication.

Conclusion

Mastering the differences between “faired” and “fared” is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding their unique meanings and uses, you can avoid common pitfalls that lead to confusion. Remember, language is a powerful tool, and choosing the right words enhances clarity. As the writer Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” Strive to select your words wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more proficient communicator.