mend

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the act of repairing something that is broken or damaged. For example: "The mechanic mended my car's engine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The soundbites accompanying the narrative were that Labour had failed to mend the roof while the sun was shining; we are all in it together; and that you don't hand the keys back to the driver who put the car in the ditch.

The Guardian - Business

Between runs, children come to sit and watch the fishermen mend their nets and talk about great adventures out on the waters.

The Guardian

The film's producer encourages his audience to explore IFixIt.org, a initiative that publishes manuals and sells parts to help consumers mend their own products.

The Guardian

It's easy to mend if you get any tears, so don't worry too much if it proves fragile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added that his sole objective this weekend was to mend some weaknesses he had perceived in his driving at this circuit.

The Guardian - Sport

The events were open and free, attracting a mix of people who came forward to debate the findings of the first phase of Reading the Riots and express their views about what should be done to mend their communities.

The Guardian

Conversely, a man who can mend a computer is incredibly useful.

The Guardian - Film

Today much of the Tory party is trying to engineer a way out of the EU at the very moment their party's leadership is working desperately, along with heads of other member states, to mend it.

The Guardian

Rebekah Brooks's choice of outfit – the £475 'Marcie' dress from online boutique Suzannah – suggests she saw her Leveson inquiry appearance less as a working day than as a chance to try to mend her reputation with the public.

The Guardian

Perhaps we can at least appeal to their monumental self-interest by warning them that soon there will be no one left to clean their drains, put out their fires, look after them when they're old and sick, build and clean their mansions, produce and cook their food, and mend their roads, sewers and black Range Rovers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Abdullah tried hard to mend fences with the US after 9/11, as Saudi citizens were implicated in the attack on the twin towers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mend", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. While versatile, it's important to check that it accurately conveys the intended meaning of repairing or improving something.

Common error

While "mend" is suitable for many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "restore" or "rectify" when a more sophisticated tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "mend" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of repairing or improving something that is broken, damaged, or not functioning correctly. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also function as a noun, referring to a repaired place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mend" is a versatile term, primarily used as a verb to describe the act of repairing or improving something. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, from physical repairs to mending relationships. While it holds a neutral tone, consider the context for optimal formality. For example, repair, fix, or restore may be better suited. With frequent appearances in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "mend" is a common and reliable choice for expressing restoration and improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repair

Focuses specifically on fixing something that is broken or damaged.

fix

A more general term for making something functional again.

restore

Emphasizes returning something to its original condition.

ameliorate

Refers to improving something that is bad or unsatisfactory.

rectify

Implies correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

rehabilitate

Focuses on restoring someone or something to a healthy or useful state.

patch up

Suggests a quick or temporary repair.

set right

Implies correcting something that is wrong or out of order.

put in order

Suggests organizing or arranging something to improve its condition.

turn around

Implies reversing a negative trend or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "mend" in a sentence?

You can use "mend" to describe repairing something physical, like "I need to mend my trousers", or to describe improving a relationship, like "They are trying to mend their friendship".

What can I say instead of "mend"?

You can use alternatives like "repair", "fix", or "restore" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "mend" or "fix"?

Both "mend" and "fix" are correct, but "mend" often implies a more careful or thorough repair, while "fix" can be more general.

What's the difference between "mend" and "heal"?

"Mend" typically refers to repairing something that is broken or damaged, while "heal" refers to recovering from an injury or emotional wound. For example, you can "mend a fence" but you "heal" a broken heart.