What are the definitions of “write down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make notes.
I WROTE her mobile number DOWN on a scrap of paper and I've lost it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “write down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb write down is to make notes or record information on paper or another writing surface. It is often used when someone wants to remember something important, such as a phone number, an address, or a list of items.
What are the different verb forms of “write down”?
| Root Verb | write down |
| Third Person Singular Present | writes down |
| Present Participle | writing down |
| Simple Past | wrote down |
| Past Participle | written down |
Example
Please write down your name and contact information.
Example
She writes down her shopping list before going to the store.
Example
He is writing down the main points of the lecture.
Example
Yesterday, I wrote down the recipe for the cake.
Example
The instructions have been written down for you to follow.
What kind of phrasal verb is “write down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“write down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She wrote down the phone number.
Example
He wrote the address down on a piece of paper.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“write down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She wrote down the phone number.
Example
He wrote the address down on a piece of paper.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “write down”?
Good things to know
Does “write down” have an informal or formal tone?
Write down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in academic or professional environments.
