he mends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he mends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who repairs or fixes something, typically in the context of clothing or objects. Example: "Whenever something breaks in the house, he mends it with great skill and care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He mends roads and streetlights.

The Economist

He mends the fence and creosotes it.

The New Yorker

He mends cheap flip-flops that have come apart.

The Guardian

He mends tyres on Tariq Road in the city centre, a half-hour bus ride away.

The Economist

He mends the taps and he clears the gutters, waxes the floors and changes the tires.

The Guardian - Film

While he mends fences with his family Mr. Williams continues to attend 12-step meetings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In winter, he mended tyres.

The Economist

He mended people's hi-fis to get by.

The Economist

When threatened by the master of the house he mended his ways.

The New Yorker

But he mended his relations with Salazar and became a brigadier general in 1964.

The New York Times

Is he mending fences with party leaders and McCall supporters who resented his primary campaign?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he mends" to describe relationship repair, ensure the context clearly implies reconciliation rather than physical repair.

Common error

Avoid using "he mends" in contexts where a more precise verb like "repairs", "fixes", or "restores" would be more appropriate, especially in technical or formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he mends" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "he" is the subject pronoun and "mends" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to mend.' Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing physical repairs and figurative reconciliation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he mends" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to describe the action of repairing or restoring something, be it physical objects or relationships. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is not particularly formal or informal. While it may not be as common as alternatives like "he repairs" or "he fixes", "he mends" offers a distinct nuance, often implying a more delicate or careful repair. Understanding these nuances, along with the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting the phrase's scope, will help writers effectively use "he mends" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he repairs

Focuses on the act of fixing something that is broken or damaged.

he fixes

A more general term for making something functional or operational again.

he patches up

Suggests a temporary or quick repair.

he rectifies

Implies correcting something that is wrong or deficient.

he restores

Indicates bringing something back to its original condition.

he reconciles

Refers specifically to mending relationships or disputes.

he heals

Suggests repairing emotional or psychological wounds.

he ameliorates

Implies improving a situation or condition.

he makes amends

Focuses on correcting a wrong or making reparations.

he sets right

Indicates correcting an injustice or error.

FAQs

How can I use "he mends" in a sentence?

You can use "he mends" to describe someone repairing physical objects, like "he mends shoes", or figuratively, to describe someone repairing relationships or situations, such as "he mends fences".

What can I say instead of "he mends"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he repairs", "he fixes", or "he restores" to describe physical repair. For figurative uses, consider "he reconciles" or "he makes amends".

Is it correct to use "he mends" in both physical and figurative contexts?

Yes, "he mends" can be used in both physical contexts, like "he mends the fence", and figurative contexts, like "he mends relationships". However, ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.

What's the difference between "he mends" and "he fixes"?

"He fixes" is a more general term for making something functional. "He mends" often implies a more delicate or careful repair, or a repair of something that has been broken or torn. While "he fixes" can apply to a wider range of situations, including abstract problems, "he mends" often refers to physical objects or interpersonal relationships.