jot down

USAGE SUMMARY

"jot down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to quickly write something down. For example, "Jot down this phone number, so you don't forget it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

men jot down pithy phrases.

The New Yorker

So what did he jot down?

Independent

I started to jot down their names.

The Guardian

I jot down names that appeal to me.

The New York Times

I jot down thoughts, ideas, and observations regularly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We were instructed to jot down an undeveloped answer.

The New York Times

I obsessively jot down words.

Los Angeles Times

Jot down in a notebook.

WikiHow

Jot down notes as you get them.

WikiHow

Don't be afraid to jot down details.

WikiHow

Time: Some writers jot down thoughts just before they sleep.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "jot down" information, provide the necessary writing tools readily available, such as a pen and paper.

Common error

Avoid using "jot down" when a permanent or official record is needed. This phrase implies a temporary note, not a formal documentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jot down" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive verb that requires an object. It describes the action of writing something quickly and informally. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, confirming its active usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

34%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "jot down" means to write something quickly and informally. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and sees very common usage across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and academic sources. When using "jot down", remember that it suggests brevity and is best suited for informal situations. For more formal settings, alternatives like "record succinctly" might be more appropriate. To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you are not using the expression to describe scenarios where formal documentation is needed. Overall, "jot down" is a helpful and correct phrase, which can be widely used in everyday writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

write down quickly

Emphasizes the speed of the writing process.

note briefly

A more concise way of saying "jot down".

make a quick note

Highlights the brevity of the note taken.

scribble down

Suggests a less formal and possibly rushed writing style.

take notes briefly

Focuses on the act of note-taking with an element of conciseness.

record succinctly

Implies a more formal and efficient way of capturing information.

put in writing swiftly

Highlights the action of committing something to paper rapidly.

set down in brief

Emphasizes the conciseness and the act of recording.

document briefly

Suggests a slightly more formal record-keeping.

mark down rapidly

Highlights the speed and action of marking or noting something.

FAQs

How to use "jot down" in a sentence?

You can use "jot down" when you want to suggest writing something quickly. For instance, "Could you "jot down" the address for me?".

What can I say instead of "jot down"?

You can use alternatives like "write down quickly", "make a quick note", or "scribble down" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "jot down" in formal writing?

While "jot down" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "record succinctly" or "note briefly".

What's the difference between "jot down" and "write down"?

"Jot down" implies a quick and informal act of writing, whereas "write down" is more general and doesn't necessarily convey the same sense of urgency or brevity. For example, if you're taking meeting minutes the correct phrase to use is usually write down, instead of jot down.