fix
HighNeutral to Informal (most senses); Technical (in specific contexts like computing, photography).
Definition
Meaning
To make something firm, stable, or in proper working order; to repair.
Can mean to arrange, to decide, to attach, to prepare (food/drink), or to put right something that is wrong.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core sense of repair is common, but the extended senses (decide, prepare) are highly frequent in phrasal verbs and idioms. The noun form ('be in a fix') is informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'sort' is often preferred for general repair contexts ('sort the problem'). In US English, 'fix' is more broadly used for repairs and preparing food/drink ('fix a snack', 'fix the car'). The phrase 'fix to' meaning 'about to' ("I'm fixin' to leave") is strongly Southern US regional.
Connotations
In US English, 'fix' is more neutral and ubiquitous for repair. In UK English, it can sometimes sound slightly less formal than 'repair' or 'mend'.
Frequency
Higher overall frequency in American English, especially for non-repair meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fix somethingfix something for someonefix someone somethingfix on something (decide)fix something upbe fixed (adj.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in a fix”
- “fix someone's wagon”
- “get a fix on”
- “fix your sights on”
- “quick fix”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To agree on something definitively ('fix a meeting', 'fix the budget').
Academic
To make stable or permanent ('fix a specimen', 'fix a variable in an experiment').
Everyday
Repairing objects, deciding plans, preparing food.
Technical
In computing: to resolve a bug; in photography: to treat with fixer; in navigation: to determine a position.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I need to fix the leaky tap this weekend.
- Let's fix a time for the call.
- Can you fix me a cup of tea?
American English
- I'll fix the flat tire after work.
- We should fix a date for the party.
- He's fixing himself a sandwich.
adverb
British English
- He stared fixedly at the screen. (Note: 'fixedly' is the adverb form.)
American English
- She listened fixedly to his story. (Note: 'fixedly' is the adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The appointment is fixed for Tuesday.
- She gave me a fixed stare.
American English
- We have a fixed interest rate.
- His beliefs are fixed and won't change.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you fix my toy?
- We fixed the meeting for 3 o'clock.
- The technician came to fix the internet connection.
- They haven't fixed the date for the wedding yet.
- The new policy is designed to fix the flaws in the old system.
- He fixed his gaze on the distant horizon.
- The company attempted a quick fix, but the underlying issues remained.
- Her position in the company was fixed following the merger.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a broken 'FIXture' - you need to FIX it. Both words share 'fix'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE BROKEN OBJECTS (fix a problem); DECISIONS ARE PHYSICAL ATTACHMENTS (fix a date, fix your eyes on).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'fix' for installing software; use 'install'. Avoid 'fix' for arranging things in a general sense (use 'arrange' or 'organise'). The Russian 'фиксировать' is narrower, often meaning 'to record'.
Common Mistakes
- *I will fix to meet him. (Incorrect: use 'arrange to meet' or 'fix a meeting with').
- *He fixed the shelf on the wall. (Possible, but 'attached' or 'put up' is clearer).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'fix' used in a primarily American English sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Fix' is the most general and common, especially in AmE. 'Repair' is slightly more formal and often used for complex machinery. 'Mend' is often for clothes, relationships, or broken bones.
It is neutral but can be informal in some contexts (e.g., 'fix a drink'). In technical writing, 'repair', 'correct', or 'resolve' may be preferred.
Yes, primarily in American English (e.g., 'fix breakfast', 'fix a meal'). It's informal and implies preparing or putting together.
It means to be in a difficult situation or a predicament (e.g., 'Losing my passport put me in a real fix').