to fix

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to fix" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of repairing or correcting something. Example: "I need to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen before it causes more damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm trying to fix it.

The New York Times

Let's try to fix it".

The New York Times

How to fix the line?

The New York Times - Travel

We have to fix this.

The New York Times

Let's aim to fix that.

The New York Times - Science

Pretty easy to fix, though.

The New Yorker

It's important to fix cars".

The New Yorker

You have to fix this.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're going to fix it.

The New York Times

They need to fix it.

The New York Times - Arts

I have to fix that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal or academic writing, consider replacing "to fix" with more precise verbs like "to rectify" for errors or "to address" for systemic issues.

Common error

Writers often use "to fix" as a catch-all verb for any change. While "to fix a document" is understandable, using "to edit" or "to revise" provides better clarity and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to fix" is the infinitive form of the verb "fix". It primarily functions as a base verb to express an intended action, purpose or necessity. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears after modal verbs or as part of a purpose clause (e.g., "How "to fix" the line?").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "to fix" is an essential and highly versatile phrase in the English language. Ludwig data confirms its widespread use across the most prestigious publications, from The New York Times to The Economist. While it is most frequently used to describe the act of repairing something broken, its meanings extend to preparing food, rigging elections and stabilizing chemical substances. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in almost any context. However, for writers seeking high-level precision, substituting it with more specific terms like "to rectify" or "to resolve" can enhance the professional quality of a text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to repair

Focuses specifically on restoring something broken or damaged to a good condition.

to mend

Often implies fixing something torn or minor repairs, frequently used for clothes or relationships.

to rectify

A more formal term used for correcting an error, a mistake or a situation.

to resolve

Best suited for abstract problems, conflicts or dilemmas rather than physical objects.

to correct

Used when the goal is to remove errors or bring something into alignment with a standard.

to overhaul

Suggests a thorough examination and complete repair or revision of a system or machine.

to troubleshoot

Refers to the process of identifying the cause of a problem before fixing it.

to adjust

Implies making small changes to achieve a desired result or fit.

to refurbish

Focuses on renovating or redecorating something to make it look new again.

to patch

Suggests a temporary or quick fix rather than a permanent solution.

FAQs

How to use "to fix" in a sentence?

You can use "to fix" when describing the act of repairing something, such as "I need "to fix" the broken chair" or "We must find a way "to fix" the economy".

What is the difference between "to fix" and "to repair"?

"to fix" is more versatile and informal, while "to repair" is often used for technical or physical restoration of complex machines and structures.

Can "to fix" mean to cook food?

Yes, in many English dialects, "to fix" is commonly used to mean preparing food, such as "I'm going "to fix dinner"".

Is "to fix" appropriate for business emails?

It is acceptable, but for a more professional tone, you might prefer "to resolve" or "to remedy" when discussing issues with a client.