Amend vs. Emend
The English language has many words that are similar-so similar that we can tie ourselves in knots trying to figure out which word to use when. The words amend and emend are similar in spelling and in meaning, so it is easy to see why people confuse them. However, a brief explanation of their differences should allow you to amend your thinking about how these words are used.
Amend is a verb that means to change by making better; to improve. It doesn't necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the original-just that a change would make it (the text, your thinking, an agreement) more accurate or fair.
1. The Constitution of the United States has been amended several times during the country's history.
2. I need to amend my homework by adding some additional explanation to question 4.
3. The lawyer is working with the couple to amend their will now that they have a baby.
Emend is also a verb that refers to changing a text, but it refers to changes that are made in order to correct a text.
1. The editor emended the manuscript to correct several errors in punctuation.
2. The story should be emended to remove the incorrect statements that you made about the purpose of the fundraiser.
3. The editor of the paper emended the column because the writer had spelled the name of the mayor incorrectly.
In everyday usage, the word emend is not very common at all. So, in most cases, you will use amend.
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