Mend vs We're gonna patch you up

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Mend

Top 2,000 (common)

We're gonna patch you up

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: MendMost common: Mend
 MendWe're gonna patch you up
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //mɛnd//🇺🇸 //mɛnd//🇬🇧 //wɪə ɡəʊnə pætʃ jʊ ʌp//🇺🇸 //wɪr ˈɡɑnə pætʃ jʊ ʌp//
MeaningTo fix something that is broken.We will help you feel better.
ExampleShe will mend the tear in her dress.After the fall, don't worry, we're gonna patch you up.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Collocationsmend a relationship, mend a tear, mend a fence, mend broken hearts, mend clothespatch you up, gonna take care, help you out, feeling better, support you
Antonymsbreak, damage, ruin-
Common mistakesConfusing 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.Used in formal situations where a serious tone is preferred., Confused with medical advice rather than emotional support., Omitted 'gonna' in more formal speech, losing the informal tone.
Usage notesUsed in everyday conversation; appropriate for casual and formal contexts. Avoid using with very technical objects.Used in casual contexts, often among friends or family, to reassure someone they'll receive help, especially after an injury or distress.

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Mend
We're gonna patch you up

Frequently asked questions: Mend vs We're gonna patch you up

What's the difference between Mend and We're gonna patch you up?

Mend: To fix something that is broken. We're gonna patch you up: We will help you feel better.

Which is more formal: Mend and We're gonna patch you up?

Mend is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Mend and We're gonna patch you up?

Mend is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Mend: She will mend the tear in her dress. We're gonna patch you up: After the fall, don't worry, we're gonna patch you up.

Can I use Mend and We're gonna patch you up interchangeably?

Not always. Mend and We're gonna patch you up 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.

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