Cool MateAmend vs Modify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amend
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Modify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: AmendMost common: Modify
| Amend | Modify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈmɛnd//🇺🇸 //əˈmɛnd// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɒdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪ/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪz/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd/","/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To change or fix something to make it better. | Change something to make it better or different. |
| Example | The committee decided to amend the proposed legislation. | You can modify the document by adding new sections. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | amend a law, amend a document, amend a policy, amendments to the contract | considerably, drastically, extensively, have to, need to, for, highly modified, in a modified form, modified to fit something |
| Antonyms | damage, deteriorate, harm | maintain, preserve, keep |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'correct' - 'amend' implies a more formal change., Using 'amend' without an object - remember it needs something to amend., Overusing 'amend' in informal writing. | Confusing with 'modification', which is the noun form., Using 'modify' without an object, which is incorrect., Overusing 'modify' instead of synonyms like 'change' or 'adjust' in casual speech. |
| Usage notes | Use 'amend' in formal contexts, often for legal documents or policies. It is less common in casual conversation. | Use 'modify' when discussing changes to plans, documents, or objects. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, such as academic or business settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Amend vs Modify
What's the difference between Amend and Modify?
Amend: To change or fix something to make it better. Modify: Change something to make it better or different.
Which is more formal: Amend and Modify?
Amend is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Amend and Modify?
Modify is the most common in everyday English.
Are Amend and Modify the same CEFR level?
Amend: C1, Modify: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Amend and Modify interchangeably?
Not always. Amend and Modify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.