Cool MateFix vs Mend
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fix
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Mend
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Fix
| Fix | Mend | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/fɪks/","/ˈfɪksɪz/","/fɪkst/","/ˈfɪksɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fɪks/","/ˈfɪksɪz/","/fɪkst/","/ˈfɪksɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //mɛnd//🇺🇸 //mɛnd// |
| Meaning | to repair something that is broken or not working | To fix something that is broken. |
| Example | I need to fix my bicycle because the tire is flat. | She will mend the tear in her dress. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | easily, quickly, get something fixed, firmly, securely, directly, onto, to, fix something in place, fix something in position | mend a relationship, mend a tear, mend a fence, mend broken hearts, mend clothes |
| Antonyms | break, damage, destroy | break, damage, ruin |
| Common mistakes | Using 'fix' instead of 'repair' in formal contexts., Confusing 'fix' with 'attach' when not the right meaning., Incorrectly using 'fixed' as a noun. | Confusing with 'amend', which means to improve text or legislation., Using 'mend' without an object, e.g., saying 'I mend.' instead of 'I mend clothes.', Incorrectly assuming 'mend' only applies to physical objects. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fix' in everyday conversations. It's appropriate for casual and professional settings but avoid it in very formal writing. In certain contexts, 'fix' might imply a temporary solution rather than a permanent repair. | Used in everyday conversation; appropriate for casual and formal contexts. Avoid using with very technical objects. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fix vs Mend
What's the difference between Fix and Mend?
Fix: to repair something that is broken or not working Mend: To fix something that is broken.
Which is more common: Fix and Mend?
Fix is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Fix: I need to fix my bicycle because the tire is flat. Mend: She will mend the tear in her dress.
Can I use Fix and Mend interchangeably?
Not always. Fix and Mend 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.