Phrase in 30 Seconds
To write something on paper or a digital device so you do not forget it later.
- Means: Recording information in a permanent or semi-permanent format.
- Used in: Meetings, grocery shopping, and remembering phone numbers.
- Don't confuse: 'Write down' (record) with 'Write up' (create a formal report).
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
To write something on paper so you don't forget it.
Cultural Background
Americans love 'To-Do' lists. Writing things down is seen as a key to productivity. In Japan, carrying a small notebook (techo) is very common for writing down daily tasks.
Pronoun placement
Always put 'it' or 'them' between 'write' and 'down'.
Pronoun placement
Always put 'it' or 'them' between 'write' and 'down'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
I will ____ the phone number so I don't lose it.
We use 'write down' to record information for memory.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI will ____ the phone number so I don't lose it.
We use 'write down' to record information for memory.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is common to say 'I'll write that down' even if you are typing on a phone.
Related Phrases
Jot down
synonymWrite quickly
Note down
synonymRecord
Where to Use It
Grocery Shopping
Friend: Do we need milk?
You: Yes, I'll write it down on the list.
Office Meeting
Boss: The deadline is Friday.
You: Okay, I'm writing that down.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a pen moving DOWN onto a page to keep information safe.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant notebook where you are writing a glowing light bulb (an idea) so it doesn't float away.
Rhyme
Don't be a clown, write it down!
Story
Sarah was at a party. She met a cool person. She didn't want to forget their name. She quickly found a napkin and wrote it down. Now she has a new friend!
In Other Languages
Many languages use a similar structure, like 'anotar' in Spanish or 'aufschreiben' in German.
Word Web
Challenge
For one day, write down every task you need to do on a piece of paper.
Review this phrase in 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week.
Pronunciation
The 'w' is silent.
Formality Spectrum
Please document the findings in writing. (Workplace)
Please write down the findings. (Workplace)
Jot those down for me. (Workplace)
Put that on paper, fam. (Workplace)
Derived from Old English 'writan' (to scratch/draw) and 'dune' (down).
Fun Fact
The word 'write' originally meant to scratch runes into wood or stone.
Cultural Notes
Americans love 'To-Do' lists. Writing things down is seen as a key to productivity.
“I have a list of things to write down today.”
In Japan, carrying a small notebook (techo) is very common for writing down daily tasks.
“He always has his notebook to write down ideas.”
Conversation Starters
Do you usually write down your tasks?
Common Mistakes
Write down it.
Write it down.
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Anotar
Spanish often uses a single verb instead of a phrasal verb.
Noter
French does not use a particle like 'down'.
Aufschreiben
The particle comes at the end of the sentence in German.
書き留める (Kakito-meru)
It implies keeping the information for later use.
تدوين (Tadween)
It is often used for more formal record-keeping.
Spotted in the Real World
“I'm going to write that down.”
He is trying to look professional.
Easily Confused
Learners think it means the same as write down.
Write down = record; Write up = create a formal report.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
Yes, it is common to say 'I'll write that down' even if you are typing on a phone.
usage contexts
