to fix itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to fix itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or object that is capable of resolving its own issues or problems without external intervention. Example: "The software had a minor glitch, but it managed to fix itself after a quick restart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Congress isn't going to fix itself.

The New Yorker

"The longer it waits to fix itself the more uncertainty there is".

The New York Times

The parliamentary system is broken, and it has not been able to fix itself".

The New York Times

"After a while, it became clear it wasn't going to fix itself," Mr. Stahl said.

The New York Times - Science

I expect that to fix itself once I address a certain issue that recently cropped up.

The New Yorker

It's like the plumber who came to fix the sink waiting for the sink to fix itself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

In healthy human cells, the p53 protein helps prevent tumors by putting the brakes on the cell cycle to give an ailing cell time to fix itself--or die--rather than spawning more corrupted cells.

Science Magazine

The idea that we can wait, to paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr., for the system to somehow fix itself is unacceptable.

Huffington Post

Errors in Jurassic World reportedly include a mobile phone that appears to magically fix itself, a scene in which dinosaur wrangler Owen Grady Chris Pratttalkslks to park manager Claire Dearing Bryce Dallas Howardd) without moving his lips, and the ability of Dearing's nephews to start up an abandoned Jeep that has been parked, fully exposed to the elements, on a tropical island for 20 years.

The Guardian - Film

Keynes was putting it mildly when he said we could not wait for the world economy to just fix itself because it would simply come too late for those unemployed today; they might indeed be dead by the time recovery arrives, and the "classical" solution might mean recovery could never come.

Independent

But to go its own way, and to keep Wall Street satisfied, it needs to not only fix itself from a business perspective but also from a product perspective.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to fix itself" when referring to systems, processes, or even the body's ability to recover without external intervention. It's effective for emphasizing autonomy and resilience.

Common error

While the phrase is useful, be careful not to apply it to contexts where active problem-solving or specific actions are needed. Saying a complex social issue will "fix itself" can undermine the need for proactive solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to fix itself" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier to describe how something resolves a problem or returns to a normal state. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to fix itself" is a versatile expression used to describe the self-correcting ability of systems, processes, or entities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper grammatical standing and frequency across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, remember to use this phrase to highlight autonomy and resilience, while being mindful of contexts that necessitate active human intervention. Consider alternatives such as "to self-correct" or "to resolve autonomously" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to self-correct

Emphasizes the automatic nature of the correction process.

to resolve autonomously

Highlights the independence and self-governance in finding a solution.

to mend on its own

Suggests a process of healing or repair without external aid.

to self-repair

Focuses on the ability to restore itself to a previous state.

to heal unaided

Implies recovery from damage or injury without assistance.

to auto-correct

Highlights the automatic function of correction.

to right itself

Indicates a restoration of balance or upright position.

to sort itself out

Implies a resolution of confusion or disorder through its internal dynamics.

to adjust automatically

Focuses on the ability to self-regulate without intervention.

to self-regulate

Highlights the ability to maintain stability through internal mechanisms.

FAQs

How can I use "to fix itself" in a sentence?

You can use "to fix itself" to describe something that can resolve its own problems, such as "The software glitch was minor, and the system was able "to fix itself" after a restart".

What are some alternatives to "to fix itself"?

Alternatives include "to self-correct", "to resolve autonomously", or "to mend on its own", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to fix itself" in formal writing?

Yes, "to fix itself" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when discussing systems or processes. However, consider alternatives like "to self-regulate" or "to auto-correct" for a more technical tone.

What's the difference between "to fix itself" and "to be fixed"?

"To fix itself" implies an autonomous action, where something resolves its own issues. "To be fixed", on the other hand, suggests that something requires external intervention to be repaired.