Fit vs Fitted
What’s the difference between them?
Fit
Meaning:
to be the right size or shape for something; to be suitable or appropriate for something.
Examples:
1. I'm sure this dress will fit you perfectly.
2. I'm trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
3. I go to the gym 3 times a week to stay fit.
Fitted
Meaning:
British English spelling for past tense of 'to fit.'
Examples:
1. She fitted the shirt to make sure it was the right size.
2. The fitted sheet made the bed look smooth and neat.
3. The tailor fitted the suit perfectly to his body.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Fit
1. Suitable
2. Appropriate
3. Proper
4. Adapt
5. Be suited to
1. Unfit
2. Unsuitable
3. Disproportionate
4. Out of Shape
5. Ill-suited
Fitted
1. Tailored
2. Cut to size
3. Adjusted
4. Form-fitted
5. Modulated
1. Loose
2. Baggy
3. Unstructured
4. Oversized
5. Not tailored
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Fit", "Fitted".
1. Remember that the word 'fit' is the present tense form of the verb, while 'fitted' is the past tense form.
2. 'Fit' and 'fitted' have the same meaning, so you can use the context of the sentence to determine which word to use.
3. When speaking of a particular size or shape, use 'fit' when referring to the present tense.
4. Use 'fitted' when referring to a past event or situation.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'fit' be used?
Fit is typically used to describe the size or shape of an object, or how suitable or appropriate something is in a given situation. For example, when purchasing clothing, you might want to make sure it fits properly, or when applying for a job, you might have to prove that you are a good fit for the role.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'fitted'?
Fitted is the British English spelling for the past tense of fit. It is typically used when referring to something that has been adjusted to fit a particular shape or size. For example, 'The tailor fitted the suit to my exact measurements.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, fit is pronounced as /fit/ while fitted is pronounced as /fited/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
The most common mistake is to confuse the two words. People often mistakenly use fitted when they mean fit, or vice versAdditionally, people may incorrectly use the two words interchangeably in the present and past tense. For example, 'I fitted my new shirt yesterday' should be 'I fit my new shirt yesterday'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The dress perfectly _____ her.
2. The technician _____ the new stereo system into the car.
3. He is looking for a cap that will _____ him well.
4. After visiting London, she had a custom-made dress _____ for her by a local tailor.
5. The puzzle pieces all _____ together smoothly.
6. The carpenter _____ the new kitchen cabinets last week.
1. The dress perfectly fits her.
Explanation: Here, the simple present tense is appropriate to describe a general statement about the dress.
2. The technician fitted the new stereo system into the car.
Explanation: We are referring to an action that has been completed in the past. Given the general context, both fit (American English) and fitted (British English) can be correct. However, fitted is slightly more formal and is commonly used in the UK.
3. He is looking for a cap that will fit him well.
Explanation: This sentence is in the future tense, making fit the appropriate choice.
4. After visiting London, she had a custom-made dress fitted for her by a local tailor.
Explanation: The clue after visiting London hints towards British English, making fitted the preferred choice for the past tense in this context.
5. The puzzle pieces all fit together smoothly.
Explanation: This sentence is in the simple present tense, making fit the appropriate choice.
6. The carpenter fitted the new kitchen cabinets last week.
Explanation: Referring to an action completed in the past, both fit (American English) and fitted (British English) can be correct. Without any distinct American or British clue in the sentence, both are accepted.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.