"untie" / "undo" one's shoelaces

Status
Not open for further replies.

sunsunmoon

Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Argentina
Current Location
Japan
Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
undo
to open or release (something) : to unfasten or loosen (something)
▪ undo a belt/button/zipper ▪ She undid [=unbuttoned] her blouse. ▪ I can't undo [=untie] this knot.

Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
untie
to undo the knots in or of (something) [+ obj]
▪ She untied her shoelaces/shoes. ▪ He untied the package and opened it. ▪ untie a rope ▪ Your shoelaces are untied. [no obj] ▪ The knot untied easily.


Do you say "undo one's shoelaces/shoes" to mean "untie one's shoelaces/shoes"?
 

allenman

Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
http://www.learnersdictionary.com/search/undo
Do you say "undo one's shoelaces/shoes" to mean "untie one's shoelaces/shoes"?
Yes, when saying "my shoelaces are undone" or "your shoelaces are undone."

However, I would tell you "I am untying my shoelaces"

Both are understood -- neither is more correct than the other and it might depend on the regional area.

Not a teacher
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top