are not written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not written" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been documented or recorded in written form. Example: "The details of the agreement are not written in the contract, which has led to some confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Operas are not written about it.

The New York Times

But these rules are not written down.

The New York Times

Oh my gosh, these things are not written.

The New York Times

These roles are not written for black men.

Independent

These laws are not written to restrict religious exercise.

The New York Times

Those rules are not written down, nor spoken.

The Guardian - Opinion

However such terms are not written in tablets of stone.

The Guardian - Money

Books are not written primarily to be discussed.

The New York Times - Books

That's because most young-adult novels are not written by young adults.

The New York Times - Magazine

Such rumours are worth less than the paper they are not written on.

The Economist

It is about ensuring that trade agreements are not written by multinational corporations.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are not written", ensure clarity by specifying what the subject refers to and where it is not written. For example, "These rules are not written in the contract."

Common error

Avoid using "are not written" without specifying the context. For instance, stating "the rules are not written" is vague. Clarify by adding "The rules are not written down anywhere," providing a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not written" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the absence of written documentation or recording. It modifies a noun, specifying that something has not been committed to written form. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to express that rules, policies, or terms lack written specification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not written" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the absence of written documentation, recording, or expression. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, depending on the surrounding context. When using "are not written", ensure clarity by specifying what is not written and where. Common alternatives include "are unwritten" and "are not documented", each with slightly different nuances. In summary, "are not written" is a versatile phrase for conveying the lack of written form, and its effective use depends on providing sufficient context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unwritten

Implies the absence of written form, emphasizing the lack of documentation.

are not documented

Focuses on the lack of recorded information.

are not recorded

Highlights the absence of a formal record.

are not put in writing

Directly indicates the absence of a written version.

are not inscribed

Emphasizes the lack of a permanent, often historical, written form.

are not expressed in writing

Focuses on the lack of written expression.

are not codified

Refers to the absence of a systematized and written form, often in legal or formal contexts.

are not set down in writing

Indicates that something has not been officially recorded or written.

are not formalized

Highlights the lack of a formally established written procedure or rule.

remain unstated

Emphasizes that something is not explicitly mentioned or written.

FAQs

What does "are not written" mean?

The phrase "are not written" means that something has not been documented, recorded, or expressed in written form. It indicates the absence of a written record or formulation.

How can I use "are not written" in a sentence?

You can use "are not written" to indicate that certain rules, agreements, or information have not been documented in writing. For example, "The company's policies "are not written" down, leading to inconsistencies."

What are some alternatives to "are not written"?

Alternatives to "are not written" include "are unwritten", "are not documented", or "are not recorded". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "are not written" or "are unwritten"?

Both "are not written" and "are unwritten" are grammatically correct. "Are not written" is a more direct and literal statement, while "are unwritten" implies a state of being without written form. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.