Cool MateFixed vs That's not negotiable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fixed
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adjective
That's not negotiable
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Fixed
| Fixed | That's not negotiable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/fɪkst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fɪkst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt nɪˈɡəʊʃəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt nɪˈɡoʊʃəbl// |
| Meaning | Something that is not changed or is repaired. | It can't be changed or discussed. |
| Example | These fixed prices give farmers a degree of financial security. | His salary is predetermined; that's not negotiable in this job offer. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, seem, become, very, firmly, securely, be, seem, become, very, firmly, securely | terms not negotiable, conditions not negotiable, price not negotiable |
| Antonyms | broken, loose, unsteady | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'fixed' with 'fixated', which means to be obsessed., Using 'fixed' in the wrong tense, like saying 'I fix the problem' instead of 'I fixed the problem.', Misplacing 'fixed' in a sentence, leading to unclear meaning. | Using in casual conversations where a soft approach is preferred., Confusing with 'That's negotiable' which implies openness to discussion. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fixed' when something has been repaired or when it's stable and unchanging. Avoid in casual conversations unless referring to repairs or adjustments. | Use when stating a firm condition. Appropriate in professional or serious settings but can appear harsh if overused. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fixed vs That's not negotiable
What's the difference between Fixed and That's not negotiable?
Fixed: Something that is not changed or is repaired. That's not negotiable: It can't be changed or discussed.
Which is more common: Fixed and That's not negotiable?
Fixed is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Fixed: These fixed prices give farmers a degree of financial security. That's not negotiable: His salary is predetermined; that's not negotiable in this job offer.
Can I use Fixed and That's not negotiable interchangeably?
Not always. Fixed and That's not negotiable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.