fitted vs fit

[Lavsan]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for adapt", question 10

I like those shoes so much, I wish they ......... me.

(a) harmonized
(b) fitted
(c) accommodated
(d) corresponded

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #105 "Synonyms for adapt", answer 10

I like those shoes so much, I wish they fitted me.

Correct answer: (b) fitted

Your answer was: incorrect
I like those shoes so much, I wish they accommodated me.
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I thought fitted in this sense would be incorrect. I thought fit me would sound better. I realize clothing can be fitted by a tailor. I didn't think shoes were able to make themselves fit someone.

Lavsan

[Lost_Soul]

No, unfortunatelly you're wrong. By using the Past Simple we express an unreal (probably) but desired situation here. Those shoes probably dont fit him, but he wishes they did.

[Yankee]

.
Both fit and fitted are used standardly as past forms of the verb 'fit'.

Where I'm from, 'fit' would generally be used as the simple past tense when the meaning is that something was the right size:
Those boots fit my son last year. I wonder if they will still fit him this winter.

The word 'fitted' would generally be used as the past tense and the past participle in a passive sense -- i.e. when the meaning is that something was adapted or was made to fit. For example, you might be fitted for a new suit or a car might be fitted with a new stereo system.

So, 'fitted' sounds quite odd to me in the test sentence -- for exactly the reason you gave, Lavsan.

I'm not sure whether this is also the usage tendency in the UK.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Yankee

I didnt know that fit might be conjugated as an irregular verb. In my dictionary there's no note about it. Cool :)

[Yankee]

Hi LS

You'll find both past forms in Webster's Dictionary, for example. :D
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Rsullivan9597]

Can anyone help me out with this...Which would be correct?

Merrick Marius fitted a bolt into the small crossbow and then slipped the weapon beneath the folds of his cloak.

Merrick Marius fit a bolt into the small crossbow and then slipped the weapon beneath the folds of his cloak.

[OxfordBlues]

Rsullivan,

You've come across an interesting phenomenon in English: Fit has developed multiple meanings and depending on which meaning is being used, the conjugation changes.

Fit (meaning to be the right size, or to fill something out properly) has the conjugation fit - fit -fit.

Thus: These pants fit me well (present). These pant fit me well last week (past). He had fit those pants before his diet (perfect).

Fit (meaning to make something fit, or to put something in a proper position) has the conjugation fit - fitted - fitted/fit.

Thus: Marcus fits a bolt into the crossbow (present). Marcus fitted a bolt (past). Marcus has fitted a bolt (or Marcus has fit a bolt) into the crossbow (perfect).
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