What it means
直す follows the masu-stem of a verb to mean doing an action again in order to correct, improve, or complete it properly. It often translates as “redo,” “rewrite,” or “reconsider,” depending on the verb. The construction focuses on correcting the result of an earlier action, rather than simply repeating it without a reason.
Usage note
As an independent transitive verb, 直す means to fix or correct something directly. In this grammar pattern, it follows another verb’s masu-stem and means to do that action over or anew.
How to use it
私は間違いに気づいたので、報告書を書き直します。
Because I noticed a mistake, I will rewrite the report.
私は間違いに気づいたので、報告書を書き直す。
Because I noticed a mistake, I will rewrite the report.
Example sentences
間違いを見つけたので、申込書を書き直しました。
Because I found a mistake, I rewrote the application form.
先生の助言を受けて、発表の内容をまとめ直しました。
After receiving the teacher's advice, I reorganized the presentation's content.
古い資料の数字を確認