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Prepositions after verbs

Fix in, by, on, for or at?

Fix combines naturally with some prepositions, while others usually belong to separate time, place, or method phrases.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are natural with fix?

Fix on is common for attention or choice. Fix for can mean prepare for a time or amount in some contexts. In, by, and at often introduce place, method, or time rather than forming fixed combinations with fix.

She fixed on the main problem.
We fixed for Friday afternoon.
The shelf was fixed to the wall.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
fix on + idea/object

Concentrating attention

Use fix on for attention, interest, or choice focused on something.

He fixed on one solution.
Her eyes were fixed on the screen.
2
fix for + time/amount

Arranging or deciding

Fix for can mean arrange for a particular time, price, or amount.

The meeting was fixed for Monday.
They fixed for a lower rate.
3
fix in + place/time

Using in as an adjunct

In usually introduces location or time, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern.

They fixed the leak in the kitchen.
She fixed the problem in an hour.
4
fix by + method/deadline

Using by separately

By often shows method, agent, or deadline rather than a selected preposition after fix.

The issue was fixed by a technician.
Can you fix it by Friday?

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
fix on
The committee fixed on a new design.
choose or focus attention on something
fix for
The appointment was fixed for noon.
arrange for a time or amount
fix in
They fixed the pipes in the basement.
in introduces location, not a fixed pattern
fix by
Please fix the error by tomorrow.
by introduces deadline or method
fix at
The price was fixed at $50.
at can introduce a level, amount, or point

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using fix on for physical repair

Fix on is about attention or choice, not repairing objects.

✕ He fixed on the bicycle yesterday. ✓ He fixed the bicycle yesterday.

Treating by as a required preposition

By often gives extra information such as a deadline.

✓ Please fix the report by noon.

Using in as the object preposition

In usually describes place or time.

✕ She fixed in the computer. ✓ She fixed the computer.

Confusing fixed at and fixed for

Fixed at usually gives a level or amount; fixed for often gives a scheduled time.

✓ The dinner was fixed for seven o'clock.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Her attention fixed ___ the speaker.
2. The interview is fixed ___ Tuesday morning.
3. Can you fix the leak ___ Friday?

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Frequently asked questions

Is fix on common in modern English?

Yes, especially in formal or descriptive writing about attention or decisions.

Can fix at describe prices?

Yes. For example, The price was fixed at $20.

Do I always need a preposition after fix?

No. In many cases fix directly takes an object, as in fix the car.

face, with, face, by facilitate by, in, with, for or through? "fade into", "fade to" or "fade from"? fail in, at, to, on or for? "fall into" or "fall in"? falter in, after, for, on or under? fantasize about, on, of or over? fare in, against, to, as or on? "fascinate by" or "fascinate with"? "fasten to", "fasten on" or "fasten with"? favor by, in, for, from or of? favour by, in, for, over or of?

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