What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repair
Example
The mechanic repaired my car's engine. [repair: verb]
Example
The repair of the roof took longer than expected. [repair: noun]
mending
Example
She mended the tear in her shirt with a needle and thread. [mended: past tense]
Example
I need to do some mending on these socks before I can wear them again. [mending: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repair is more commonly used than mending in everyday language. Repair is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while mending is more specific to fabric or clothing repairs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repair and mending?
Repair is generally considered a more formal word than mending. It is often used in technical or professional contexts, while mending is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.
