I jotted down

USAGE SUMMARY

"I jotted down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe taking a quick note or sketching something. For example, "I jotted down some ideas for my new project on a post-it note."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I jotted down key words.

The New Yorker

I jotted down a phone number for him.

The New York Times

Over the years, I jotted down many of Summerall's short phrases.

The New York Times - Sports

In between letters I jotted down a few of his asides.

Stanford University

I jotted down three thoughts on the train ride back to Boston after the conference.

Harvard Business Review

I jotted down hurriedly my impression of the ceremony, dwelling upon MacArthur's superb address.

The New York Times

I think I jotted down more notes and ideas today than I did all spring at work.

The New York Times

But I jotted down the figures, and the impact is not as great as one might think.

The Economist

I jotted down their names and asked why they had risked the mob's wrath to come to Tahrir Square.

The New York Times

I jotted down a version of the story she always told about visiting her doctor in Jaffa.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether the note expressing anxiety originated with me, or whether it was an idea of the Fuehrer's which I jotted down, I can no longer say today.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the casual nature of note-taking in creative writing, intersperse "I jotted down" with other informal expressions and sensory details.

Common error

Avoid using "I jotted down" in formal reports or academic papers where a more precise and professional tone is needed. Opt for phrases like "I noted" or "I recorded" to maintain formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I jotted down" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of quickly writing or noting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used, reflecting its straightforward grammatical correctness and widespread applicability in various contexts. It is a transitive verb taking a direct object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I jotted down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, suitable for conveying the action of making quick, informal notes. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, its usage indicates a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "I recorded" or "I documented" in professional or academic contexts. The phrase’s widespread presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance and utility in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I took notes

Highlights the act of recording information during a lecture, meeting, or observation.

I noted

Emphasizes a simple observation or acknowledgement, lacking the quick and informal connotation.

I wrote down

Implies a more deliberate and complete act of recording than the brief action.

I scribbled

Suggests hasty and somewhat illegible writing, emphasizing speed over clarity.

I penned

Implies a more formal or literary context for writing, unlike the everyday usage of "I jotted down".

I drafted

Suggests a preliminary version of a document or plan, not just a quick note.

I listed

Implies creating a structured list, whereas "I jotted down" can be more unstructured.

I sketched

Implies making a quick drawing or diagram rather than writing words.

I logged

Suggests a systematic recording of events or data over time.

I registered

Implies a formal recording of information, often with an official body.

FAQs

How can I use "I jotted down" in a sentence?

You can use "I jotted down" to describe taking quick notes or recording information informally. For example, "I jotted down the directions to the museum" or "I jotted down a few ideas during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "I jotted down"?

You can use alternatives like "I noted", "I wrote down", or "I took notes", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "I jotted down" appropriate for formal writing?

"I jotted down" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "I recorded" or "I documented" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I jotted down" and "I wrote down"?

"I jotted down" implies a quick, informal note-taking, while "I wrote down" suggests a more deliberate and complete recording of information. The first one is more suitable for informal or casual note-taking, while the second for more formal or complete notes.