Amended vs Mended: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you confused about whether to use “amended” or “mended” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “amended” and “mended” and when to use each one.

Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use in certain contexts. “Amended” is the correct word to use when referring to changes made to a legal or official document, such as a contract or law. On the other hand, “mended” is used to describe the act of repairing or fixing something that is broken or damaged.

So, while both words involve making changes or improvements, “amended” is more specific to legal or official documents, while “mended” is more general and can refer to anything that has been repaired or fixed.

Now that we’ve established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and usage.

Define Amended

Amended is a term used to describe the process of making changes or revisions to a document, agreement, or law. It involves altering the content of the original document in order to correct errors, add new information, or improve the overall quality of the text. The amended version of a document is often considered the updated or current version, as it reflects the most recent changes that have been made.

Define Mended

Mended, on the other hand, refers to the act of repairing or fixing something that has been damaged or broken. This can apply to physical objects like clothing or machinery, as well as to more abstract concepts like relationships or trust. Mending involves restoring the item or situation to its original state, or at least to a functional state that allows it to be used or appreciated once again.

While amended and mended share some similarities in that both involve making changes to something, the key difference is that amended refers to changes made to a document or agreement, while mended refers to the act of repairing something that has been damaged.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word for a sentence can be tricky, especially when two words have similar spellings or meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use “amended” and “mended” in a sentence.

How To Use “Amended” In A Sentence

The word “amended” is often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to changes made to a document or law. Here are some examples of how to use “amended” in a sentence:

• The company’s bylaws were amended to include a new section on employee benefits.
• The senator proposed an amended version of the bill that addressed concerns raised by the opposition.
• The court ordered the plaintiff to file an amended complaint that included additional evidence.

As you can see, “amended” is typically used to describe changes that are made to a specific document or law. It is important to note that “amended” is not interchangeable with “changed” or “modified” in these contexts.

How To Use “Mended” In A Sentence

The word “mended” is often used to refer to the act of repairing or fixing something that is broken or damaged. Here are some examples of how to use “mended” in a sentence:

• After the storm, the community came together to mend the damaged roofs and windows.
• The tailor mended the tear in the customer’s jacket.
• With time and therapy, the relationship between the two friends was mended.

As you can see, “mended” is typically used to describe the act of repairing or fixing something that is broken or damaged. It is important to note that “mended” is not interchangeable with “fixed” or “repaired” in these contexts.

More Examples Of Amended & Mended Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the differences between amended and mended, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how amended and mended can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Amended In A Sentence:

• The company’s bylaws were amended to include a new clause.
• The senator proposed an amended version of the bill.
• The contract was amended to reflect the new terms.
• The tax return was amended to include additional deductions.
• The court ordered the agreement to be amended to better reflect the intentions of both parties.
• The architect amended the blueprints to include an additional room.
• The teacher amended the grading policy to allow for late work.
• The lawyer advised her client to amend the contract before signing it.
• The city council amended the zoning laws to allow for more residential development.
• The committee amended the proposal to address concerns raised by stakeholders.

Examples Of Using Mended In A Sentence:

• The tailor mended the tear in my shirt.
• She mended the relationship with her estranged sister.
• The mechanic mended the engine so the car could run again.
• I mended the fence to keep the dog from getting out.
• The doctor mended the broken bone with a cast.
• The chef mended the sauce by adding more seasoning.
• He mended his ways after getting in trouble with the law.
• The gardener mended the soil by adding compost.
• The artist mended the painting by touching up the damaged area.
• The volunteer group mended the community center after the storm damage.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in English, it’s easy to make mistakes. Two words that are often confused are “amended” and “mended.” Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably:

Using “Amended” When “Mended” Is Correct

One common mistake is using “amended” when “mended” is the correct word to use. “Mended” means to repair something that is broken or damaged, while “amended” means to make changes or improvements to something that is already written or established.

For example, if you say “I amended my shirt,” that would be incorrect because you don’t make changes to a shirt that is already made. Instead, you would say “I mended my shirt” to indicate that you repaired a tear or hole in the fabric.

Using “Mended” When “Amended” Is Correct

Another common mistake is using “mended” when “amended” is the correct word to use. As mentioned earlier, “amended” means to make changes or improvements to something that is already written or established.

For example, if you say “I mended the contract,” that would be incorrect because you don’t repair a legal document. Instead, you would say “I amended the contract” to indicate that you made changes or revisions to the original document.

Offering Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Remember that “mended” means to repair something that is broken or damaged, while “amended” means to make changes or improvements to something that is already written or established.
• Think about the context in which you are using the word. Is it related to repairing something or making changes to something that is already established?
• If you’re not sure which word to use, look up the definition of each word to confirm its meaning.

By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes when using “amended” and “mended” in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “amended” and “mended,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. While both words are related to making changes or improvements, they are used in different contexts and carry different connotations.

Amended

The word “amended” is commonly used in legal and formal contexts to refer to changes made to a document, agreement, or law. It implies a deliberate and intentional effort to modify something in order to improve it or correct an error. For example:

• The company’s bylaws were amended to reflect the new ownership structure.
• The senator proposed an amendment to the bill to address concerns raised by constituents.

In these cases, “amended” is the appropriate word choice because it conveys the idea of a formal and deliberate change that is made with a specific purpose in mind.

Mended

The word “mended,” on the other hand, is more commonly used in informal contexts to refer to repairing or fixing something that has been damaged or broken. It implies a sense of restoration or renewal, often with an emotional or personal component. For example:

• The tailor mended the tear in my favorite sweater.
• After their argument, the couple worked to mend their relationship.

In these cases, “mended” is the appropriate word choice because it conveys the idea of restoring something to its original state or repairing a relationship that has been damaged.

Overall, the choice between “amended” and “mended” depends on the context in which they are used. While both words relate to making changes or improvements, “amended” is more formal and deliberate, while “mended” is more informal and personal. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help ensure that you choose the right word to convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using amended and mended are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where these rules might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context in which the words are being used in order to determine which one is appropriate.

1. Use Of “Amended” In Informal Contexts

While “amended” is typically used in formal or legal contexts to refer to changes made to a document or agreement, it can also be used in informal contexts to refer to making minor changes or corrections to something. For example, a writer might say, “I amended my article to include the latest research findings.”

2. Use Of “Mended” In Non-physical Contexts

While “mended” is typically used to refer to repairing something that is broken or damaged, it can also be used in non-physical contexts to refer to fixing or healing something that is not tangible. For example, a person might say, “I finally mended my relationship with my estranged sibling.”

3. Use Of “Amended” In The Context Of Legislation

When it comes to legislation, “amended” is typically used to refer to changes made to a bill or law. However, there are certain situations where “amended” might not be the appropriate word to use. For example, if a particular section of a bill is completely rewritten, it might be more appropriate to use the word “revised” instead of “amended.”

4. Use Of “Mended” In The Context Of Emotions

While “mended” is typically used to refer to physical repairs, it can also be used in the context of emotions to refer to the healing of emotional wounds or scars. For example, a person might say, “Time has helped to mend the pain of losing my loved one.”

5. Use Of “Amended” In The Context Of Contracts

When it comes to contracts, “amended” is typically used to refer to changes made to the terms of the agreement. However, there are certain situations where “amended” might not be the appropriate word to use. For example, if a contract is completely rewritten, it might be more appropriate to use the word “revised” instead of “amended.”

Summary

While the rules for using amended and mended are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where these rules might not apply. It is important to understand the context in which the words are being used in order to determine which one is appropriate. In some cases, it might be more appropriate to use a different word altogether, such as “revised” or “fixed.”

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of amended and mended is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help you enhance your skills:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (amended or mended) to complete the following sentences:

1. After the tailor __________ my pants, they fit perfectly.
2. The contract was __________ to include a clause about confidentiality.
3. She __________ the tear in her shirt with a needle and thread.
4. The company __________ its policies to address employee concerns.
5. The broken vase was __________ with glue, but it was still noticeable.

Answer Key:

1. mended
2. amended
3. mended
4. amended
5. mended

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct word (amended or mended) to complete the following sentences:

1. The lawyer __________ the contract to reflect the new terms.
2. She __________ her relationship with her sister by apologizing.
3. The mechanic __________ the engine, but it still needs some work.
4. The company __________ its financial statements to correct errors.
5. He __________ his broken heart by focusing on his career.

Answer Key:

1. amended
2. mended
3. mended
4. amended
5. mended

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of amended and mended. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as well as their definitions, to ensure that you are using them correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “amended” and “mended,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Amended refers to making changes or corrections to a document, law, or agreement. On the other hand, mended refers to fixing something that is broken or damaged.

It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing skills and avoid common mistakes.