is on the mend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is on the mend" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is recovering from an illness or injury. Example: "After a week in the hospital, she is on the mend and looking forward to going home soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pyro, one of two kittens that were rescued from a fire in North Dakota, is on the mend.

HuffPost

Britain is on the mend.

Independent

Today, TCW is on the mend.

The New York Times

Are they evidence that India's economy is on the mend?

The Economist

Fortunately for the Mets, Wright is on the mend.

The New York Times

"He is on the mend now," his secretary told us.

The Guardian

Thankfully she is on the mend after surgery in July.

The Guardian - Sport

"We keep hearing that the economy is on the mend.

The Guardian

Carlos Beltran is on the mend in New York.

The New York Times - Sports

That suggests global demand is on the mend.

The Guardian - Business

On issues of corporate governance, Disney is on the mend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is on the mend", ensure the context clearly indicates what is recovering, whether it's a person, economy, or system.

Common error

Avoid using "is on the mend" when the situation is merely stable, not actively improving. The phrase implies active recovery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is on the mend" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a noun (person, entity, etc.) as recovering or improving. Ludwig AI confirms its usage as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is on the mend" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating that someone or something is recovering or improving. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its suitability for formal settings depends on the audience and context. Consider using synonyms like "recovering" or "improving" for increased formality. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly shows an active process of getting better, not just a state of stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is recovering

Focuses specifically on the process of getting better from an illness or injury.

is improving

Indicates a general betterment in condition or status, not necessarily related to health.

is getting better

A more informal way of saying someone or something is improving in health or condition.

is healing

Specifically refers to the process of physical or emotional wounds closing and recovering.

is turning the corner

Suggests a critical point has been passed and recovery is now likely.

is out of the woods

Implies that the most dangerous or difficult part of a situation is over.

is making progress

Highlights the advancement being made towards full recovery or a desired state.

is showing improvement

Emphasizes the visible signs that someone or something is getting better.

is rallying

Indicates a sudden improvement after a period of decline.

is back on track

Suggests a return to the intended path after a deviation or setback.

FAQs

What does "is on the mend" mean?

The phrase "is on the mend" means that someone or something is recovering from an illness, injury, or other negative situation and is gradually improving.

How can I use "is on the mend" in a sentence?

You can use "is on the mend" to describe a person recovering from an illness (e.g., "After the surgery, she "is on the mend""), an economy recovering from a recession, or any situation that is improving after a setback.

What are some alternatives to saying "is on the mend"?

Alternatives to "is on the mend" include "is recovering", "is getting better", "is improving", or "is healing", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is on the mend" in formal writing?

Yes, "is on the mend" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though in very formal contexts, you might prefer a more precise term like "is recovering".