jot down ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jot down ideas" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when referring to the act of quickly writing down thoughts or concepts for later reference. Example: "During the brainstorming session, I made sure to jot down ideas that could help us improve our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In addition, it helps you avoid the terror of starting out with a blank page with an "ideas" feature, where you can quickly and easily jot down ideas for posts, wherever you area.

TechCrunch

Do you carry around a notebook to jot down ideas?

The New York Times - Magazine

But she does wake up in the middle of the night to jot down ideas.

The New York Times

Sudeikis doesn't write verse, but he does like to jot down ideas on his phone.

The New Yorker

He drives his wife crazy by waking in the night to jot down ideas on a bedside notepad.

The Economist

He began working obsessively from home, often waking up in the middle of the night to jot down ideas.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Read "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" aloud, making sure that students are jotting down ideas.

The New York Times

By nine, he repairs to his study, and begins jotting down ideas he will be working on during the day.

The New Yorker

It has gone through at least three drafts since Favreau began the process, jotting down ideas at his flat, and in sessions at a downtown Starbucks.

Independent

Next, each attendee thought independently about the capabilities that his or her institution might contribute toward addressing the children's problems, jotting down ideas on sticky notes.

Harvard Business Review

Determined to stick it out, I started a "How to not ruin date night" note on my iPhone, where I've been jotting down ideas for the past year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jot down ideas" when you need to quickly record thoughts during a brainstorming session or when inspiration strikes. Keeping a notepad or using a note-taking app can be helpful for this.

Common error

Avoid using "jot down ideas" when you intend to create a detailed plan or fully developed concept. "Jot down" implies a quick, temporary recording, not a comprehensive writing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jot down ideas" functions as a verb phrase, primarily used to describe the action of quickly recording thoughts or concepts. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It emphasizes speed and informality in note-taking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jot down ideas" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of quickly recording thoughts or concepts, as Ludwig points out. It is widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and wiki articles. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "note ideas briefly" or "scribble down thoughts" for variety. Remember that "jot down" suggests a quick and temporary recording, suitable for brainstorming and capturing initial thoughts, not for detailed planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

note ideas briefly

Emphasizes brevity in recording ideas.

scribble down thoughts

Suggests a more informal and rapid form of writing.

quickly write ideas

Highlights the speed of the writing process.

make a quick note of ideas

Focuses on making a brief record for later reference.

put ideas on paper

Emphasizes the physical act of writing.

record ideas briefly

Focuses on making a brief record.

capture ideas quickly

Highlights capturing ideas before they are forgotten.

draft ideas rapidly

Implies creating a rough draft of ideas.

document ideas in short form

Emphasizes conciseness in documenting ideas.

list ideas briefly

Suggests creating a list rather than a detailed note.

FAQs

How can I use "jot down ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "jot down ideas" to describe quickly noting thoughts or concepts. For example, "During the meeting, I tried to "jot down ideas" as they came to me."

What can I say instead of "jot down ideas"?

You can use alternatives like "note ideas briefly", "scribble down thoughts", or "quickly write ideas" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "jot down ideas" rather than fully develop them?

It's appropriate to ""jot down ideas"" during initial brainstorming or when you need to capture fleeting thoughts quickly. Later, you can revisit and develop these notes into more detailed plans.

What tools are best for "jotting down ideas"?

Common tools include notepads, smartphones with note-taking apps, or even voice recorders. The best tool is one that allows you to "jot down ideas" quickly and conveniently.