fit

USAGE SUMMARY

"fit" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is suitable for a particular purpose, or something that fits a certain criteria. For example: "This job is a perfect fit for my skills and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Film

Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others, such as Rep Michele Bachmann and Senator Ted Cruz, revelled in the government shutdown, then pitched a fit when they discovered that the parks and memorials in DC's care weren't open (logic isn't a Tea Party virtue).

The Guardian - Opinion

"He is just a pure striker and that is what comes out after the transfer requests and him saying: 'It's better for me to leave because I want to play Champions League.' When we heard that Arsenal might be interested in him, obviously we were up for it and we thought, 'Yeah, he would fit in.' But after, we got Özil".

The Guardian - Sport

All these romantics aren't good for you, you know," he says, rather patronisingly, as he helps her collect the books she has hurled out of a window in a fit of teenage angst.

The Guardian - Film

The current degree classification model, whereby students are awarded a first, 2 1, 2 2, or a third degree, has been labelled by critics as "not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

People think that they want to be fit, but they kinda have to work," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

By offering universal free insulation to communities, we'll cut bills, create jobs, and start the work of creating a housing stock fit for a zero-carbon economy.

The Guardian

But it does not fit into either of the boxes into which Chinese films are expected to fit in the west, namely "martial arts" or "arthouse".

The Guardian - Film

But 36 hours in a ute will remind you that there are many incarnations of country towns which fit neither the Sunday Too Far Away image or the Wake in Fright model.

The Guardian

But the next government can rest assured that it will be judged in five years' time on whether we have a properly funded health service which is fit for the 21st century".

The Guardian

Attach a piece of elastic or string at each hole, adjusting it to fit the wearer Show us your Dollys and Jacks – we'd love to see pictures of what they get up to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While terrorism does not fit entirely comfortably within the war paradigm, which the west developed using nation states as the key actors, what Awlaki did for a living was a far cry from robbing the neighborhood bank.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fit" to describe physical health, ensure it's paired with action verbs that demonstrate activity or a state of being, such as 'stay fit' or 'become fit', to provide a clearer context.

Common error

Avoid using "fit" to describe abstract concepts in formal writing unless you can clearly demonstrate its suitability or adaptability. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your message. Consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "fit" functions as a verb, noun, adjective, and abbreviation, depending on the context. As Ludwig AI shows, it is highly versatile, indicating suitability, physical condition, or an emotional outburst.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Lifestyle

19%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Film

7%

Business

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "fit" is highly versatile, functioning as a verb, noun, adjective, and abbreviation across various contexts. As Ludwig AI validates, its core use involves expressing suitability, physical condition, or emotional states. Predominantly found in News & Media and Lifestyle content, "fit" maintains a neutral to formal tone depending on the source. To ensure correct usage, consider the specific context and purpose, opting for stronger alternatives in formal writing when necessary. With its diverse applications, mastering the use of "fit" can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suitable

Emphasizes appropriateness for a specific purpose.

be appropriate

Highlights the suitability of something in a given situation.

be compatible

Focuses on the ability of things to exist or work together without conflict.

be in good shape

Refers specifically to physical condition and health.

be tailored

Implies something is specifically designed to meet particular needs.

be ready

Indicates a state of preparedness.

be in agreement

Highlights the alignment or correspondence between things.

be seemly

Focuses on the propriety and decorum of something.

be proper

Indicates conformity to established standards of behavior or manners.

be becoming

Suggests something enhances one's appearance or character.

FAQs

How can I use "fit" in a sentence?

You can use "fit" in many contexts, such as "This shirt doesn't "fit" me", "The program is "fit for purpose"", or "I try to stay "fit" by exercising regularly".

What are some synonyms for "fit"?

Some synonyms for "fit", depending on the context, include "suitable", "appropriate", "healthy", or "compatible".

What's the difference between "fit" and "suitable"?

"Fit" often implies a physical matching or being the right size or shape, whereas "suitable" indicates appropriateness or adequacy for a particular purpose or situation. Something can be "suitable" without being a perfect "fit".

When is it appropriate to use "fit" as an adjective?

You can use "fit" as an adjective to describe something that is in good physical condition (e.g., "a "fit" athlete"), or when something is appropriate or suitable for a particular purpose (e.g., "do as you see "fit"").