to affix

USAGE SUMMARY

"to affix" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of attaching or sticking something to another object. An example is: "Please affix the label to the package." Alternative expressions include "to attach" and "to stick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is also nowhere to affix the all-important logo.

The New York Times

The designers used magazine glue to affix British pence to the background.

The New York Times

I don't know whether to affix them to my delinquent bills or have them framed.

The New York Times - Arts

College students had been flown in from the west coast, to affix "Hillary" stickers to cars.

The Guardian

In the face of such calamity, we have a need to affix blame.

The New York Times

We are born believers, as Hyman said, apt to affix meaning to all our coincidences.

The New Yorker

This allows the store to offer a discount without having to affix new price labels.

The New York Times - Tech

In 2011, the City Council voted to affix Mr. Koch's name to the Queensboro Bridge.

The New York Times

Risk-averse was never a label likely to affix itself to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Guardian - Sport

There was always an infinitesimally creative instant of deciding where to affix one.

The New Yorker

And here I stand, with a sudden need to affix a label to myself besides "Mom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the object being attached immediately after the verb to maintain clarity in transitive usage, as in "affix the stamp to the envelope".

Common error

Avoid using "to affix" as a generic substitute for all types of joining. For instance, while you can "affix" blame or a label to someone, you cannot "affix" two people in a marriage; use words like "unite" or "join" for social bonds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to affix" functions as a transitive infinitive verb phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it consistently takes a direct object (the thing being attached) and is frequently followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "to", "on" or "upon" to indicate the destination of the attachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "to affix" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of attaching one thing to another. According to Ludwig AI data, it is most frequently employed in instructional, technical and journalistic contexts. While often used for physical objects like labels, stamps or mechanical components, it also carries a significant metaphorical weight when used to describe the assignment of labels, names or blame. Writers should favor this term over simpler alternatives like "<a href="/s/to+stick" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to stick" when a more professional or precise tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to attach

The most common and versatile synonym, suitable for almost any context where two things are joined.

to fasten

Suggests a more secure or mechanical connection, often involving a closure or hardware.

to stick

A more informal alternative often implying the use of an adhesive substance like glue or tape.

to append

Specific to adding something to the end of a document, list or word stem.

to mount

Used when an object is placed on a surface for display or support.

to glue

Specifies the exact medium used for the attachment.

to adhere

Often used intransitively (to adhere to), but implies a strong, surface-level bond.

to bond

Implies a deeper, more permanent connection, often at a chemical or structural level.

to subjoin

An archaic or highly formal term for adding something at the end of a statement.

to annex

Typically used in political or geographical contexts to describe taking over or adding territory.

FAQs

How do I use "to affix" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical attachment, such as "The technician was instructed <a href="/s/to+affix+the+sensor" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to affix the sensor to the outer casing".

What is a simpler way to say "to affix"?

A more common and simple alternative is "<a href="/s/to+attach" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to attach" or "<a href="/s/to+stick" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to stick".

Which is correct: affix on or affix to?

Both can be correct depending on the context, but "affix to" is much more common for physical objects, while "affix on" or "affix upon" is often used for metaphorical placement, like <a href="/s/to+affix+blame+on" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to affix blame on someone.

Is "to affix" considered formal English?

Yes, it is more formal than "<a href="/s/to+put+on" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to put on" and is frequently found in legal, scientific and technical documentation.