made notes on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made notes on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of writing down information or observations about a specific topic or subject. Example: "During the lecture, I made notes on the key points discussed by the speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The men made notes on the papers.

The New Yorker

Several made notes on their graph paper.

The New York Times - Magazine

She photographed them and made notes on each person.

Independent

Opposite him, an amused man in a suit and tie made notes on a clipboard.

The New Yorker

Ms. Byam made notes on how well her 29 students were working.

The New York Times

As he made the rounds at a development in Yucaipa, he made notes on a checklist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Drink one and make notes on its taste, flavor range, texture and depth, and head quality.

WikiHow

Nonetheless, he had to make notes on the conduct required "to be fortunate with women".

Encyclopedia Britannica

When you're ready, you can start making notes on the characters and their situations.

The Guardian - Books

"I make notes on the backs of advertisements," Joyce told a friend in 1917.

The Guardian - Books

I started making notes on where my time was slipping away to each day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made notes on" when you want to emphasize the act of actively recording information during an observation, meeting, or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice with "made notes on" when active voice provides more clarity and directness. For example, instead of saying "Notes were made on the presentation," say "I made notes on the presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made notes on" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of recording information about something. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness. The examples show it's used to describe the act of writing down observations, thoughts, or key points about a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made notes on" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe the act of writing down information about a particular subject. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is widespread across various domains, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that it accurately reflects the action of recording information. Consider alternatives like "took notes on" or "jotted down notes about" depending on the level of formality you want to achieve. Avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain clarity and directness in your writing. Remember to choose this verb choice to emphasize that someone is deliberately recording key information during observation or analysis, for later utilization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took notes on

Emphasizes the action of recording information during an event, lecture, or meeting; a more common and direct synonym.

jotted down notes about

Implies a quick and informal way of writing notes, often focusing on key points.

wrote down observations on

Highlights the act of recording observations, usually in a scientific or detailed context.

documented details about

Suggests a comprehensive and formal recording of information, often used in research or investigation.

recorded information regarding

Implies a formal and systematic way of storing data, usually for future reference or analysis.

detailed findings on

Specifically refers to the recording of results or discoveries from a study or investigation.

registered key aspects of

Focuses on noting important elements or features, often in a structured or organized manner.

inscribed remarks concerning

Suggests a more formal and sometimes permanent way of writing notes, often used in historical or literary contexts.

listed impressions of

Indicates a subjective recording of thoughts or feelings about something.

penned thoughts regarding

Emphasizes the act of writing down thoughts, often in a creative or reflective way.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made notes on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "documented details about" or "recorded information regarding", depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "made notes on" for informal writing?

In informal writing, you can use alternatives like "took notes on" or "jotted down notes about", which are more conversational.

Is "made notes on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "made notes on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows the standard verb-preposition structure.

When should I use "made notes on" instead of "took notes on"?

While both are similar, "made notes on" can imply a more deliberate or analytical approach to recording information, whereas "took notes on" is often more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and desired emphasis.