Be Fit To Do vs. Fit For Something
Be Fit To Do vs. Fit For Something distinguishes the directly documented fit to + verb and fit for + noun phrase patterns. Oxford uses both in suitability and health contexts, so the guide focuses on how the complement frames an action versus a purpose, duty, person, or thing.
Use fit to + verb when saying someone or something is suitable, healthy enough, or ready for an action; use fit for + noun phrase when naming the purpose, duty, work, person, or thing for which it is suitable.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| suitable, ready, or healthy enough to perform an action | fit to + verb | use the infinitive before the action |
| suitable for a purpose, duty, person, or thing | fit for + noun phrase | name what the subject is suitable for |
Quick tests
Action-or-purpose test
Are you judging readiness/suitability to perform an action, or suitability for a named purpose or thing?
If yes: Use “fit to + verb” for the action.
If no: Use “fit for + noun phrase” for the purpose/duty/thing.
Caveat: “Fit” has several senses; the decision should follow the meaning in the sentence, not a mechanical replacement.
Examples
The machine is fit to operate after inspection.
The infinitive names the action for which readiness is asserted.
These boots are fit for rough ground.
“For” names the purpose or environment.
He was declared fit to return to work.
The infinitive frames the action he is considered ready to perform.
Further guidance
Core difference
Oxford directly documents both fit to do something and fit for somebody/something, with context determining the relevant sense.
Style Boundary
Because “fit” has several senses, keep the interpretation tied to the sentence rather than treating the two complements as mechanically interchangeable.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- fit — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for fit + to-infinitive and fit for + complement