Scrawl something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Scrawl something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to writing something quickly or carelessly, often in a messy or illegible manner. Example: "He decided to scrawl something on the back of the envelope." Alternative expressions include "jot down" and "scribble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his final year at art college, he told me, he chose abstract art as his major, figuring that, when faced with a looming deadline, it would be easier to scrawl something figurative than literal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact" — he scrawled something on a pad — "we'll see to it immediately".

The New Yorker

Pronouncements were shouted, and a white-clad assistant scrawled something on a scrap of paper.

The New York Times - Magazine

He gave the can a shake and scrawled something on the wall.

The New Yorker

In fact"—he scrawled something on a pad—"we'll see to it immediately".

The New Yorker

She scrawls something indecipherable and then tosses the novel dismissively onto the sand -- as the actress's eyes go blank.

The New York Times

On a family hike in the Alps, they came across a picturesque cowshed, where a previous visitor had scrawled something.

The New York Times

"Good work," he said, then scrawled something atop the first page: "A Basket Case" gained immediate entry into my headline hall of fame.

The New York Times - Sports

She spent hours at the kitchen table bent over this notebook, thinking, occasionally scrawling something down or erasing everything, tearing out the spoiled sheet and crumpling it.

The New Yorker

After Azarya helped him to gather up the contents, the stranger scrawled something on an art print and handed it across, saying "This will be worth about £20,000 – have a good life".

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't get a loan simply by asking nicely or scrawling something down on a napkin.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scrawl something" to convey a sense of informality or urgency in writing, especially when the legibility of the writing is not a primary concern. It is suitable for describing personal notes, graffiti, or quick drafts.

Common error

Avoid using "scrawl something" in formal or professional writing where clarity and precision are essential. In such contexts, opt for more formal alternatives like "write clearly" or "draft carefully" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrawl something" functions as a verb phrase where "scrawl" is the verb and "something" is the direct object. It describes the action of writing or drawing something quickly and often illegibly. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scrawl something" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing quick or careless writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for informal contexts, conveying a sense of haste or lack of precision. While primarily found in News & Media, its neutral to informal register makes it suitable for everyday language. Alternatives such as "scribble something" or "jot something down" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scribble something

Focuses on the act of writing quickly and carelessly, often resulting in illegible text.

Dash off something

Emphasizes the speed and casualness of writing, suggesting minimal effort.

Jot something down

Implies writing something quickly as a reminder or to capture an idea.

Scratch something out

Highlights the act of deleting or crossing out text with a quick, rough motion.

Write something hastily

Stresses the rushed nature of the writing process, implying a lack of care.

Draft something quickly

Focuses on the speed of creating a preliminary version of a written work.

Pen something rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and use of a pen in the writing process.

Note something briefly

Implies a short and concise written record of something.

Indicate something roughly

Highlights the lack of precision and detail in the written communication.

Imprint something hastily

Focuses on the fast and imprecise marking or stamping of something.

FAQs

How can I use "scrawl something" in a sentence?

You can use "scrawl something" to describe writing quickly or carelessly. For example, "He decided to "scribble something" on a napkin" or "She "scrawled a note" before running out the door".

What can I say instead of "scrawl something"?

Alternatives include "scribble something", "jot something down", or "dash off something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "scrawl something"?

"Scrawl something" is appropriate when describing quick, informal writing, such as leaving a note or creating a rough draft. It's less suitable for formal documents or situations requiring precise communication.

Is "scrawl something" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "scrawl something" is grammatically correct. The verb "scrawl" is properly used with a direct object "something" to describe the act of writing something in a hurried or illegible manner.