Cool MateAmend vs Revise
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amend
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Revise
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most formal: AmendMost common: Revise
| Amend | Revise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈmɛnd//🇺🇸 //əˈmɛnd// | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈvaɪz//🇺🇸 //rɪˈvaɪz// |
| Meaning | To change or fix something to make it better. | To study or change something to improve it. |
| Example | The committee decided to amend the proposed legislation. | I need to revise my notes before the exam. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | amend a law, amend a document, amend a policy, amendments to the contract | revise for an exam, revise a document, revise a proposal, revise your work, revise a plan |
| Antonyms | damage, deteriorate, harm | ignore, neglect, overlook |
| 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. | Confused with 'review'; 'revise' implies making changes, while 'review' means to look over., Using 'revise' without an object; it should always be 'revise something'., Using 'revise' in contexts that require 'edit'; be sure to consider the difference. |
| Usage notes | Use 'amend' in formal contexts, often for legal documents or policies. It is less common in casual conversation. | Use 'revise' when talking about reviewing materials or making improvements. It's common in academic contexts but can also apply to work projects. Avoid using it in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Amend vs Revise
What's the difference between Amend and Revise?
Amend: To change or fix something to make it better. Revise: To study or change something to improve it.
Which is more formal: Amend and Revise?
Amend is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Amend and Revise?
Revise is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Amend and Revise?
Amend is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Amend and Revise the same CEFR level?
Amend: C1, Revise: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Amend and Revise?
Amend: verb, Revise: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Amend: The committee decided to amend the proposed legislation. Revise: I need to revise my notes before the exam.
Can I use Amend and Revise interchangeably?
Not always. Amend and Revise 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.