working to mend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working to mend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to repair or improve a situation, relationship, or object. Example: "The community is working to mend the divisions that have arisen over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That is the way forward in Afghanistan — working to mend it not just rushing to end it.

The New York Times

This has been helpful for mothers who are newly sober or are working to mend relationships with their children.

The New Yorker

Rather than working to mend the fractures in society, political experts said, Mr. Chávez exploited them to sustain his populist revolution.

The New York Times

After key members of Abdullah's inner circle began talking about breaking off to "go it alone," U.S. diplomats began working to mend fences.

Los Angeles Times

O'Farrill says he hopes his musical collaborations with artists on the island will help encourage elected officials and policymakers working to mend the fractures U.S.-Cuba relationship.

Huffington Post

Clyburn's endorsement is a significant victory for Clinton, who has been working to mend relations with the congressman since the 2008 cycle.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While Mr. Schröder has focused on domestic issues, Mr. Fischer has worked to mend Germany's relations with the United States.

The New York Times

With the recent overture, JPMorgan appears to have taken a more conciliatory approach to Washington broadly, as it works to mend relationships with regulatory agencies.

The New York Times

As the bank works to mend its frayed relationships with regulators, Mr. Dimon said he personally met with bank examiners from the comptroller's office and the Fed.

The New York Times

He worked to mend relations with Britain, saying he and Prime Minister Theresa May were "on the same wavelength," despite reports of strains.

The New York Times

In interpersonal therapy, people work to mend the specific personal problems like a dispute, a loss or a betrayal that led them to fall into despair.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working to mend" when you want to emphasize the ongoing effort and active process of repairing or improving something, rather than just the end result.

Common error

While "working to mend" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working to mend" functions as a verb phrase, describing an action in progress. It indicates an ongoing effort to repair or improve something. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from international relations to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working to mend" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes an ongoing effort to repair or improve something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts. While "working to mend" is most frequently found in news and media, with some use in formal business contexts, it is essential to consider the level of formality required by the writing. When a more sophisticated or formal tone is required, alternatives such as "striving to repair" or "endeavoring to correct" may be preferable. This phrase is appropriate for conveying the idea of an active, sustained effort towards positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving to repair

Emphasizes effort and determination in the process of repairing.

attempting to fix

Focuses on the act of fixing a problem or situation.

seeking to restore

Highlights the goal of bringing something back to its original condition.

endeavoring to correct

Implies a more formal and diligent approach to rectifying an issue.

laboring to improve

Stresses the hard work and effort involved in making something better.

making an effort to heal

Focuses on emotional or relational healing.

taking steps to reconcile

Highlights the process of restoring harmony or agreement.

trying to ameliorate

Suggests an attempt to alleviate or lessen a negative situation.

aiming to resolve

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

doing what they can to salvage

Implies a situation where something is at risk of being lost and efforts are being made to save it.

FAQs

How can I use "working to mend" in a sentence?

You can use "working to mend" to describe ongoing efforts to repair or improve something. For example, "The organization is "working to mend" relationships with the community."

What are some alternatives to "working to mend"?

Alternatives include "striving to repair", "attempting to fix", or "seeking to restore", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "working to mend" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "working to mend" might be too informal for certain highly formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "endeavoring to correct" or "aiming to resolve" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "working to mend" and "mending"?

"Working to mend" emphasizes the process and ongoing effort, while "mending" focuses on the act of repairing itself. "Working to mend" suggests a continuous action, whereas "mending" implies a completed or singular act of repair.