fixed to the spot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed to the spot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is unable to move from a particular location, often due to shock or surprise. Example: "When she saw the unexpected visitor at her door, she was fixed to the spot, unable to move or speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Unlike Zenbo and Pepper, Jibo is fixed to the spot and only about 30cm tall.

The Guardian - Tech

Neither receiving visitors nor taking food, Lin I-hsiung stayed fixed to the spot where his mother and twin daughters were murdered 34 years ago by government goons, it is assumed.

The Economist

She said her name was Cassie: A diamond in the rough, she was clutching onto her handbag with dear life, fixed to the spot in a delicate blue dress that retained a certain modestie.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Gradually ease your expression into a wide grin, keeping your fingers fixed to the same spots on your face.

WikiHow

The spots were then fixed to the slide by baking for two hours at 80°C.

BMC Genomics

The room was illuminated with eight spot bulb lights fixed to the ceiling.

Hippocampus

The spotted nucleic acids were fixed to the slides using protocols supplied by the manufacturers.

BMC Genomics

Keep your fingers firmly fixed to these spots as you prepare to move your mouth.

WikiHow

As for the building's namesake, he says, the design was inspired by both manner and form:  "A dragonfly has the ability to fly still, fixed to one spot in the air.

Vice

That single sighting fixed him to the spot in terror.

The Economist

But now I've realised that his remarking on our similarities was an expression of love, rather than an attempt to fix me to the spot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fixed to the spot" when you want to emphasize a sudden and often involuntary state of immobility, usually due to shock, fear, or surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "fixed to the spot" to describe deliberate stillness or planned immobility. The phrase typically implies a lack of control over one's movement, rather than a conscious decision to stay still.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fixed to the spot" is to act as a modifier, typically describing the state or condition of a noun. It indicates a state of immobility or being unable to move. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fixed to the spot" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of immobility, often resulting from surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While alternatives like "rooted to the spot" or "frozen in place" exist, "fixed to the spot" maintains a neutral register and is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. It is crucial to use the phrase when describing involuntary stillness rather than planned immobility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rooted to the spot

Implies a stronger sense of being unable to move, often due to surprise or shock.

pinned in place

Suggests being held firmly in a location, unable to move freely.

frozen in place

Conveys a sense of sudden, often fear-induced, immobility.

riveted

Implies being firmly attached or fastened to a particular spot, either physically or metaphorically.

immobile

Similar to motionless, but often implies a physical inability to move.

transfixed

Suggests being held in place by something fascinating or mesmerizing.

motionless

Describes a state of being without movement; a general term for lack of motion.

stuck fast

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of moving from a location.

paralyzed

Suggests a temporary or permanent loss of the ability to move.

unable to move

A straightforward description of the inability to move.

FAQs

What does "fixed to the spot" mean?

The phrase "fixed to the spot" means unable to move from a particular location, typically due to surprise, fear, or shock.

How can I use "fixed to the spot" in a sentence?

You can use "fixed to the spot" to describe someone or something that is unable to move, such as: "When the earthquake started, I was "frozen in place", "rooted to the spot"."

What are some alternatives to "fixed to the spot"?

Alternatives include "rooted to the spot", "frozen in place", or "transfixed", depending on the specific context.

Is "fixed to the spot" formal or informal?

The phrase "fixed to the spot" is neither overly formal nor informal; it can be used in various contexts, from news reports to casual conversation.