Signification
To reply to a letter, email, or other message you have received.
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'writing back' via text is expected to be very fast. If you don't write back within 24 hours, it is often considered rude or a sign that you are ignoring the person. British people often use 'write back' for physical letters more than Americans do, who might prefer 'reply' for digital media. There is also a strong culture of 'thank you' notes where writing back is a formal requirement. While 'write back' is an English phrase, the concept of 'Henshin' (replying) in Japan involves specific levels of politeness (Keigo). When writing back to a superior, the language must be very formal. German communication is often very direct. When they 'write back,' they usually get straight to the point without much small talk, which can sometimes seem 'cold' to English speakers.
Use it for any medium
Don't be afraid to use 'write back' for WhatsApp, Slack, or even LinkedIn. It's not just for paper letters anymore!
Watch the 'to'
Remember: 'Write back TO me' but 'Write me back'. Don't say 'Write back me'.
Signification
To reply to a letter, email, or other message you have received.
Use it for any medium
Don't be afraid to use 'write back' for WhatsApp, Slack, or even LinkedIn. It's not just for paper letters anymore!
Watch the 'to'
Remember: 'Write back TO me' but 'Write me back'. Don't say 'Write back me'.
The 'Ghosting' Context
If you want to sound very natural when complaining about someone not replying, say: 'They never even wrote back.' It sounds more emotional than 'They didn't reply.'
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'write back'.
I sent him a text three days ago, but he still hasn't ______.
After 'hasn't' (present perfect), we use the past participle 'written'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'Write [person] back' is a correct separable form of the phrasal verb.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Did you hear from the landlord? B: Not yet. I sent an email, and I'm waiting for him to ______.
'Write back' is the only phrase that means 'to reply'.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'write back'.
Situation: You are too busy to reply to an email right now.
This correctly uses the phrase to promise a future reply.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI sent him a text three days ago, but he still hasn't ______.
After 'hasn't' (present perfect), we use the past participle 'written'.
Choose the best option:
'Write [person] back' is a correct separable form of the phrasal verb.
A: Did you hear from the landlord? B: Not yet. I sent an email, and I'm waiting for him to ______.
'Write back' is the only phrase that means 'to reply'.
Situation: You are too busy to reply to an email right now.
This correctly uses the phrase to promise a future reply.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they mean the same thing, but 'write back' is slightly more informal and personal. 'Reply' is better for formal business buttons or official documents.
Yes! This is very common, especially in American English. It's a friendly way to ask for a response.
The past tense is 'wrote back'. For example: 'I wrote back to him yesterday.'
No. For a phone call, you should say 'call back'. 'Write back' is only for written messages.
It is always two words. 'Writeback' (one word) is a technical term used in computer science, not in general English.
Use 'wrote back' for simple past (I wrote back). Use 'written back' with 'have/has' (I have written back).
Yes, it is neutral. However, 'I will respond to your email' sounds slightly more professional.
It is a common way to end a letter or message, showing that you are excited to hear from the other person again.
Yes, this is perfectly correct. 'Write back to [someone]' is the standard structure.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'ignore' or 'leave on read' are used when someone does NOT write back.
Expressions liées
get back to someone
similarTo reply to someone later with more information.
drop a line
similarTo send a short, informal message.
answer back
contrastTo reply rudely to someone in authority.
write off
contrastTo cancel a debt or decide something is a failure.
correspond with
specialized formTo exchange letters regularly over a long period.
