he wrote that

USAGE SUMMARY

"he wrote that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been written previously, usually a written communication such as a letter, email, book, or article. For example: "He wrote that he was feeling unwell, so he decided to stay home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wrote that in 1998.

The New York Times

In another he wrote: "That is so cool!

The Guardian

I will always live there," he wrote that summer.

The New York Times - Travel

But every time I introduce him, I remind him that he wrote that letter.

Cornell University

but i do NOT believe he wrote that letter.

The Guardian - Music

"Suddenly," he wrote, "that looks like a riskier bet".

The New York Times - Tech

And what about the years after he wrote that story?

The Guardian - Books

He wrote "That is a dumb thing to say.

The Guardian

He wrote that down.

Vice

He wrote that script.

The New York Times - Sports

He wrote that he liked her blog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he wrote that" when you want to specifically highlight that information was conveyed in written form, which can emphasize the permanence or authority of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "he wrote that" in situations where someone verbally communicated something. Instead, opt for phrases like "he said that" or "he mentioned that" for spoken communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he wrote that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information that someone has documented in written form. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he wrote that" is a versatile phrase used to attribute written information to its author. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing predominantly in news and academic contexts. For situations requiring more formal or nuanced attribution, alternatives such as "he stated that" or "he noted that" may be considered. Remember to reserve this phrase for instances where the communication was indeed written, avoiding its use in spoken contexts. By understanding its function and appropriate context, you can effectively integrate "he wrote that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he stated that

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "stated", implying a deliberate and official declaration.

he noted that

This suggests a brief recording of information, often as an observation or reminder.

he mentioned that

This alternative suggests a less formal or prominent declaration, often a casual reference.

he indicated that

This phrase implies a subtle or indirect communication of information.

he communicated that

This highlights the act of conveying information, possibly through various means of communication.

he documented that

This alternative emphasizes the act of recording information, often in a formal or official context.

he expressed that

This emphasizes the articulation of a thought or feeling.

he affirmed that

Using "affirmed" suggests a strong declaration or confirmation of something.

he penned that

This alternative is more literary and emphasizes the act of writing with a pen.

he inscribed that

This implies a permanent or formal writing, often on a surface or object.

FAQs

What's the difference between "he wrote that" and "he said that"?

"He wrote that" indicates the information was communicated in written form, while "he said that" implies verbal communication. The choice depends on the medium of communication.

What can I say instead of "he wrote that"?

You can use alternatives like "he stated that", "he mentioned that", or "he indicated that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "he wrote that" in a sentence?

"He wrote that" is typically followed by a clause that contains the information he wrote. For example, "He wrote that the project was delayed."

Is "he wrote that" formal or informal?

"He wrote that" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "he stated that" might be preferred in highly formal settings.