What's the Difference Between 'Amend' and 'Emend'?

In this blog post we look at when to use amend and when to use emend.

'Amend' or 'Emend'?

"Emend" and "amend" are both verbs that refer to making changes or corrections to something, but they have slightly different meanings and uses.

"Emend" means to correct or improve a text or piece of writing by making small changes, usually to fix errors or remove ambiguities. It is often used in relation to texts that have been published or are considered to be final, such as manuscripts or historical documents.

"Amend" means to change or modify something, often a law, policy, or agreement. It can also refer to making small changes or corrections to something, but it is more often used to describe more significant or comprehensive changes.

In summary, "emend" refers to making small changes or corrections to a written work, while "amend" can refer to making changes or modifications to a wide range of things, including laws, policies, agreements, and written works.

Here are some examples to clarify the differences between the words amend and emend:

  • "The editor was asked to emend the manuscript to fix any typos or grammatical errors." (Making small changes to a written work to correct errors)

  • "The historians emended the transcript of the interview to clarify the speaker's meaning." (Making small changes to a written document to make it clearer)

  • "The government amended the law to include stricter penalties for certain crimes." (Making significant changes to a law)

  • "The company amended its policies to allow for more flexible working arrangements." (Making changes to company policies)

  • "The two sides agreed to amend the contract to include additional provisions." (Making changes to a legal agreement)

Examples of Amend in a Sentence

Here are some example sentences using the word “amend”.

  1. "The government amended the law to include stricter penalties for certain crimes."

  2. "The company amended its policies to allow for more flexible working arrangements."

  3. "The two sides agreed to amend the contract to include additional provisions."

  4. "The author amended the report to correct the mistake she had made."

  5. "The teacher amended the assignment to make it more challenging for the advanced students."

  6. "The council voted to amend the zoning ordinance to allow for more density in the downtown area."

  7. "The team amended their strategy to better suit their opponents' strengths and weaknesses."

  8. "The party leader announced that they would seek to amend the party's platform to include more progressive policies."

  9. "The board of directors amended the company's bylaws to increase the powers of the CEO."

  10. "The constitutional amendment was passed, granting equal rights to all citizens regardless of race or gender."

Examples of Emend in a Sentence

  1. "The editor was asked to emend the manuscript to fix any typos or grammatical errors."

  2. "The historians emended the transcript of the interview to clarify the speaker's meaning."

  3. "The publisher emended the book to include updated information on the subject."

  4. "The scientist emended her hypothesis to account for new evidence that had been discovered."

  5. "The writer emended the essay to make it more coherent and logical."

  6. "The linguist emended the translation to be more accurate and faithful to the original text."

  7. "The archivist emended the old document to remove any ambiguities or inconsistencies."

  8. "The philosopher emended his argument to address the criticisms that had been raised."

  9. "The theologian emended her interpretation of the scripture to better reflect the context and intent of the original text."

  10. "The lexicographer emended the definition of the word to be more precise and accurate."


Amend or Emend
Amend or Emend