Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
ink down
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "ink down" is not correct and does not have a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be a misunderstanding or misphrasing, as "ink" is typically a noun or verb related to writing, but "ink down" is not a standard expression. Example: "Please ink down your thoughts on the matter." (This would be incorrect usage.)
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
The colt lost 400 pounds, was listless and looked far enough away from recovery that Fort's insurance company authorized putting Invisible Ink down and paying the $200,000 insurance policy.
News & Media
Tubes attached to a neck piece funnel ink down through the fabric, causing a unique pattern to emerge every time kind of like a dress version of a Rorschach test.
News & Media
There are some groups that the US will not specifically ink down as enemies, but classify them as Islamic State group affiliates or associated forces, such as the Free Syrian Army, Ahrar ash-Sham and the Khorasan Group -- whether the groups will be included in a new AUMF law will be a Congressional debate.
News & Media
Sometimes air bubbles get into the ink cylinder, so shaking the ink down toward the tip is a good idea.
Wiki
Pull the metal tip off and push the ink down from the other end, using a paperclip or piece of metal if there is a visible air bubble at the tip of the pen.
Wiki
You take notes like a madman, but your pen flies apart, slinging hot ink down your pant leg.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
India Ink sat down with Kapil Sibal, India's minister for human resources and development, to discuss the state of higher education in the country and what his office is doing to try to alleviate a shortage.
News & Media
After dispatching a bowl of red bean soup, steamed shrimp with rice and an order of ham croquetas (O.K., two orders of ham croquetas), I had the excellent tximinoiak (squid simmered in its own ink) washed down with a tall glass of iced kalimotxo, red wine mixed with Coke.
News & Media
"A blot of ink fiddled down on a piano", "green virtue", and "an automobile paved with therefore" seem to be examples of incomprehensible nonsense, whereas "the round square" is inconsistent but still comprehensible.
Science
"Paint-stained hands gave me the idea to use this graphic style," Khasanov told The Creators Project—"Ink flowing down on pleats like a labyrinth, exploring the uniqueness of skin texture".
News & Media
Once the ink is down far enough, re-attach the metal tip and push.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using "ink down", opt for clearer alternatives like "write down" or "record" to ensure your message is easily understood.
Common error
Don't use "ink down" when you mean to "write down" or "record". Using uncommon phrasing can confuse your audience and weaken your message.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "ink down" functions as a phrasal verb, although it's not a standard or widely recognized one. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's often considered incorrect. Examples from Ludwig show varied usage, but most suggest it's intended to mean 'to write down' or 'to record'.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
30%
Science
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "ink down" appears in various contexts, it is not considered standard English. Ludwig AI confirms that it's often flagged as incorrect. It's better to use alternatives like "write down" or "record" for clarity. Although it appears in news, wiki, and scientific sources, its ambiguity makes it a less desirable choice for effective communication, especially in formal settings. Opting for more conventional phrases ensures your message is clear and easily understood.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
write down
Replaces "ink down" with a more standard and widely accepted expression for recording information on paper.
note down
Similar to "write down", but implies a more informal and quick recording of information.
record
A broader term that includes both writing and other means of documenting information, like audio or video.
document
Implies a formal and detailed record of information, often used in professional or legal contexts.
put in writing
Emphasizes the act of transforming something spoken or thought into a written form.
commit to paper
A more literary and emphatic way of saying "write down", highlighting the permanence of the written word.
set down in writing
Similar to "put in writing" but adds a sense of authority and finality.
take notes
Specifically refers to the act of recording key points or information, often during a lecture or meeting.
jot down
Indicates a quick and casual writing down of something, often in a hurry.
inscribe
Refers to the act of writing something permanently onto a surface, often with a special tool.
FAQs
What does "ink down" mean?
The phrase "ink down" is not a standard English expression and is often misunderstood. It's better to use more common phrases like "write down" or "note down".
How to use "write down" instead of "ink down" in a sentence?
Instead of saying "Please ink down your thoughts", you can say "Please write down your thoughts" for clarity.
Is "ink down" grammatically correct?
No, "ink down" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's preferable to use established phrases like "write down" or "record".
What is the difference between "ink down" and "write down"?
"Ink down" is not a recognized phrase, while "write down" is a common and correct way to express the action of recording information on paper.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested