What is fix? Pronunciation and usage in English

fix means . Learn how to pronounce and use fix through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fix

fixverb

/fɪks/
Definition & pronunciation of fix

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fix" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and the best one to use depends on where you are and who you're talking to.

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds: /fɪks/
  • Breakdown:
    • "fi" is pronounced like the "fish" sound (as in, "fish")
    • "x" is pronounced like the "ks" in "box"

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • Sounds: /fɪks/ (it's the same as the American pronunciation!)
  • Why it seems different: British English often has slightly different vowel sounds than American English. However, in this case, the vowel sound is identical.

Tips for Saying It Right:

  • Focus on the "fish" sound: Getting the initial "fi" right is key.
  • Keep it short and clipped: "Fix" is a quick word. Don't over-pronounce it.
  • Exaggerate slightly at first: When you're learning, it can help to say it a bit louder and slower to get the sounds right.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "fix" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This will give you an audio example.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fix/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers from various regions.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Practice saying "fix" with you?
  • Tell you how the pronunciation might vary depending on a specific accent?

Usage and examples with the word fix in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fix" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb - To Repair Something

  • Basic Meaning: This is the most common meaning – to make something broken or damaged work again.

    • "I need to fix my car." (meaning: repair the car)
    • "Can you fix the leaky faucet?" (meaning: repair the faucet)
    • "The mechanic will fix my computer." (meaning: repair the computer)

  • More Specific Repairs:

    • Fix up: To improve something, often by making small repairs or modifications. "She fixed up her old bicycle."
    • Fix something with…: Specifying the tool or method used. "He fixed it with duct tape." or "She fixed the problem with a new cable."

2. As a Verb - To Correct or Resolve a Problem

  • Problems (general): To solve an issue or difficulty.

    • "I need to fix this mistake in the report." (meaning: correct the mistake)
    • "Let's fix this problem before it gets worse." (meaning: resolve the problem)
    • "He tried to fix the situation, but it only made it worse."

  • Personal Problems/Feelings: Sometimes used for emotional issues, though this can feel a bit awkward.

    • “I’m trying to fix my relationship with my brother.” (meaning: improve the relationship) - Be mindful of the tone here. It can sound a little forced.

3. As a Verb - To Adjust or Arrange

  • Setting things (literally or figuratively):
    • “I need to fix my hair.” (meaning: style it)
    • "Let's fix a time to meet." (meaning: arrange a time)
    • "He needs to fix his schedule." (meaning: adjust his schedule)

4. As a Noun - A Solution or Remedy

  • A solution to a problem: This is where it gets interesting – “fix” can be the thing that solves the problem.
    • "He came up with a brilliant fix for the software bug." (the solution was a “fix”)
    • "The fix was simple – just restarting the computer."
    • "She offered a fix to his financial problems.” (meaning: a solution or plan)

5. As a Noun - Something That Repairs (Rare)

  • Very infrequently, "fix" can refer to the actual item used for repair. "He used a fix to hold the broken vase together." (This usage is less common.)

Important Notes & Nuances:

  • "Fix it" is incredibly common: "Fix it" is a very frequently used phrase and almost always means “repair it” or “solve it."
  • Informal vs. Formal: "Fix" is generally more informal than words like "repair" or "correct."
  • Tone: Using “fix” to describe personal relationships can sometimes sound a little prescriptive or like you're trying to force a change. Consider using phrases like "improve," "strengthen," or "work on" instead.

Let’s Practice!

Could you give me a sentence using "fix" in one of the ways we discussed? I can then tell you if it’s grammatically correct and how it sounds.

Synonyms for the word fix

Idioms of the word fix

be fixing to do something
(US English, dialect)to intend to do something
  • We're not fixing to go there anytime soon.
fix somebody with a look, stare, gaze, etc.
to look directly at somebody for a long time
  • He fixed her with an angry stare.
if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
(informal)used to say that if something works well enough, it should not be changed

    Practice with vocabulary fix

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

    1. The IT team worked late to ________ the critical software bug before the system crashed.
    2. The company intends to ________ a new policy regarding remote work next month.
    3. Due to the unexpected rainfall, the outdoor event had to be ________ until next week.
    4. Employees must ________ to the new safety regulations implemented last week.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    Choose ALL correct answers for each question. There may be more than one correct option.

    1. The company must ______ the security vulnerability discovered yesterday to prevent data breaches. A) resolve B) rectify C) fix D) adjust

    2. The manager has decided to ______ a strict deadline for the project completion. A) establish B) set C) fix D) appoint

    3. The construction crew needs to ______ the scaffolding securely to the building. A) attach B) secure C) fasten D) fix

    4. Prior to the presentation, remember to ______ your notes to ensure all information is accurate. A) verify B) double-check C) confirm D) glance at

    5. The board needs to ______ new strategies to improve market competitiveness. A) devise B) formulate C) craft D) execute

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions.

    1. The management team needs to decide on a specific date for the annual general meeting. (Rewrite using "fix".)
    2. Could you secure this loose cable to the wall? (Rewrite using "fix".)
    3. We must try to remedy the damaged trust between the two departments. (Rewrite, but do not use "fix".)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. fix
    2. fix
    3. postponed
    4. adhere

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. A) resolve, B) rectify, C) fix
    2. A) establish, B) set, C) fix
    3. A) attach, B) secure, C) fasten, D) fix
    4. A) verify, B) double-check, C) confirm
    5. A) devise, B) formulate, C) craft

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The management team needs to fix a specific date for the annual general meeting.
    2. Could you fix this loose cable to the wall?
    3. We must try to restore the damaged trust between the two departments.

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