fix the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"fix the outcome" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to indicate altering or determining the result of a situation. Example: "They tried to fix the outcome of the game." Alternative expressions include "manipulate the result" and "determine the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Did Putin really think he could fix the outcome?

The Guardian - Opinion

The 10, and four other men accused of collaborating to fix the outcome of matches for betting purposes, could, if convicted in court, face seven years in jail.

The New York Times - Sports

The two were found guilty of colluding to fix the outcome of the pairs event in favor of the Russians Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze and against the Canadians Jamie Sal�� and David Pelletier.

The New York Times - Sports

They were found guilty of colluding to fix the outcome of the pairs event in favor of the Russians Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze ahead of the Canadians Jamie Salé and David Pelletier.

The New York Times - Sports

After casting his vote in Lusaka, the capital, Mr. Sata accused the police and army of working together to fix the outcome so Mr. Banda could continue in office.

The New York Times

Lewis made the allegation earlier this month when he confirmed an approach from an Indian businessman to fix the outcome of a Test between England and New Zealand last summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He says leagues like the NFL and NBA force athletes to throw games and fix the outcomes so they can generate juicy story lines, thereby creating more revenue.

Vice

He is not accused of fixing the outcome of games.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Treviño was accused of creating fake companies, buying horses and fixing the outcome of races.

The New York Times

This time, biometric-voting technology made fixing the outcome more difficult.

The Economist

The credibility of the Williams family was already in question when players suggested that the sisters' father, Richard, fixed the outcome of their Wimbledon semifinal.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fix the outcome", be mindful of the context to avoid implying unethical or illegal manipulation. Use it to denote influencing a result, but ensure transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "fix the outcome" when a more neutral term like "influence the outcome" would be more appropriate. Overusing "fix" can suggest underhanded methods, even if unintended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fix the outcome" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to manipulate or predetermine a result. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and used in various contexts, ranging from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Sports

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fix the outcome" is grammatically correct and possesses a somewhat negative connotation, often implying manipulation or predetermination of results. Ludwig examples show its usage across various domains, including news, sports, and science, as reported by reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While "fix the outcome" is acceptable, writers should be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and consider alternatives like "influence the outcome" when a more neutral tone is desired. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manipulate the results

This alternative emphasizes the act of skillful handling or controlling something, often in a slightly negative way.

rig the results

This alternative implies dishonesty or illegality in influencing the outcome.

determine the result

This alternative is a more neutral way of saying that someone or something influences the outcome.

control the result

This alternative emphasizes the power or ability to dictate the outcome.

influence the outcome

This alternative suggests a less direct or forceful way of affecting the result.

engineer the outcome

This alternative suggests careful planning and execution to achieve a desired result.

predetermine the outcome

This alternative emphasizes that the outcome was decided in advance.

shape the result

This alternative implies a more gradual or subtle influence on the final outcome.

secure the result

This alternative implies that efforts were made to ensure a particular outcome.

guarantee the outcome

This alternative means to ensure that the outcome is certain to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "fix the outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "fix the outcome" in sentences where you want to express that someone is trying to influence or determine a result, often in a negative way. For instance, "They were accused of trying to fix the outcome of the election".

What's a less accusatory way to say "fix the outcome"?

If you want to express a similar idea without implying wrongdoing, you could use phrases like "influence the outcome", "shape the result", or "determine the result".

Is "fix the outcome" always negative?

While "fix the outcome" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting manipulation, it can sometimes be used in a neutral sense depending on the context. However, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation.

What is the difference between "influence the outcome" and "fix the outcome"?

"Influence the outcome" generally implies a more subtle or indirect effect, while "fix the outcome" suggests a more direct, forceful, and potentially underhanded method of ensuring a particular result.