on the mend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the mend" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a person or thing that is in the process of recovery, either from an illness, injury, or other misfortune. Example sentence: After weeks of diligent rest and treatment, she was finally on the mend and heading towards a full recovery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On the mend.

The New York Times

He was on the mend.

The New Yorker

Britain is on the mend.

Independent

Today, TCW is on the mend.

The New York Times

The economy's on the mend.

The Guardian - Business

But the economy wasn't on the mend.

The New York Times

The financial system was on the mend.

The Washington Post

And now she's on the mend.

The New Yorker

(My infected ears are on the mend).

The New Yorker

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

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Presumably, the on-the-mend window-dresser disagrees).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the mend", ensure the context clearly indicates what is recovering or improving. For example, specify whether it's a person's health, the economy, or a relationship.

Common error

While "on the mend" is widely understood, it can sound too informal for academic or highly professional documents. Consider using more formal alternatives like "recovering" or "improving" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the mend" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of something or someone that is recovering or improving. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal health to economic recovery, indicating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the mend" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something or someone in the process of recovery or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional or academic settings. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of positive progression after a period of difficulty, making it a versatile and useful addition to one's vocabulary. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its application in describing improvements in health, economies, and various other scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the road to recovery

Emphasizes the process and journey of healing.

Recovering

Focuses specifically on regaining health or strength after illness or injury.

Improving

Indicates a general advancement towards a better condition.

Getting better

A more informal way to express a positive change in health or circumstance.

Healing

Specifically refers to the process of physical or emotional restoration.

Turning the corner

Suggests a critical point has been passed, leading to improvement.

On the upswing

Implies an upward trend or positive momentum.

Out of the woods

Suggests being free from danger or difficulty.

Looking up

A more general expression indicating that things are getting better.

Restoring

Implies returning something to its original or former condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the mend" to describe someone or something that is recovering or improving. For example, "After the surgery, she was finally "on the mend"." or "The economy is "on the mend" after the recession".

What is a similar phrase to "on the mend"?

Similar phrases to "on the mend" include "recovering", "improving", and "getting better".

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

While "on the mend" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "recovering" or "progressing".

What's the difference between "on the mend" and "fully recovered"?

"On the mend" indicates a state of improvement and recovery, whereas "fully recovered" implies that the recovery is complete and the subject is back to its original state. "On the mend" suggests the process is still underway.