student asking question

Would there be a difference in nuance between "it's not fair" and "it's unfair"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

There's a slight difference, "It' unfair" has more of a serious, or grown-up tone than "It's not fair!". If a child said something is "unfair", I would be surprised. Ex: It's unfair that you get a shorter break than your colleague! Ex: That's not fair. I want chocolate ice cream too. Ex: You got shouted at for doing nothing wrong?! That's so not fair.

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