amend
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
to make small changes to a text, law, or document in order to correct or improve it
to change one's behaviour for the better; to modify or alter something slightly
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies correction or improvement rather than complete transformation; often used in legal, parliamentary, or procedural contexts
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use identically in meaning, but British English uses 'amendment' more frequently in parliamentary contexts
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English; in British English associated strongly with parliamentary procedure
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, but context distribution differs: US—legal documents; UK—parliamentary proceedings
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
amend somethingamend something to somethingamend something by doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “amend one's ways”
- “make amends”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when modifying contracts, proposals, or company policies
Academic
Common in discussing legislative changes or textual revisions
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except in fixed expressions like 'make amends'
Technical
Frequent in legal, parliamentary, and procedural documentation
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- MPs voted to amend the housing bill.
- The committee will amend the regulations next week.
- She promised to amend her behaviour after the warning.
American English
- Congress amended the tax code in 2022.
- We need to amend the contract before signing.
- The judge allowed them to amend their complaint.
adverb
British English
- The document was amendably written to allow changes.
- He spoke amendably about the policy adjustments.
- The law was designed amendably for future needs.
American English
- The contract was drafted amendably for revisions.
- She responded amendably to the feedback.
- The policy was structured amendably.
adjective
British English
- The amended proposal passed unanimously.
- Please submit the amended version by Friday.
- His amended statement clarified the earlier confusion.
American English
- The amended Constitution now includes that provision.
- Send me the amended draft when ready.
- Her amended testimony changed the case outcome.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will amend my mistake.
- Can we amend the plan?
- The government decided to amend the law.
- You should amend your application form.
- They agreed to amend the contract terms.
- Parliament voted to amend the controversial clause.
- The committee amended the proposal after much debate.
- She sought to amend her ways after the incident.
- The constitutional amendment process requires broad consensus.
- Historians often amend previous interpretations based on new evidence.
- The treaty was amended to include environmental protections.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AMEND = A MEND (like mending something broken—you fix it with small changes)
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW/TEXT AS LIVING ENTITY THAT CAN BE CORRECTED
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'amend' ≠ 'amendirovat' (to camouflage in Russian)
- Confusion with 'correct'—amend implies improvement, not just fixing errors
Common Mistakes
- Using 'amend' for major changes (should use 'revamp' or 'overhaul')
- Confusing 'amend' with 'emend' (more specific to textual correction)
Practice
Quiz
Which context is LEAST appropriate for 'amend'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'amend' implies improvement or correction, while 'change' is neutral and can mean any alteration.
Yes, but usually in fixed expressions like 'amend one's ways' or 'amend one's behaviour', meaning to improve morally or correct faults.
'Amend' is broader (laws, behaviour, documents); 'emend' is specifically for correcting texts or literary works.
Moderately formal—common in legal, parliamentary, and business contexts; less common in casual conversation except in fixed phrases.