make a notation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a notation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are writing something down for reference or record-keeping purposes. Example: "Please make a notation of the meeting time in your calendar so you don't forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Make a notation".

The New York Times

The man took out a pencil and a black notebook & got set to make a notation.

The New Yorker

If time allows, make a notation next to each one about why you feel this is a credible source".

The New York Times

Then there are the requirements of the job itself: make a notation of the number on the first car and the last car of each train.

The New York Times

Alternatively, notify your instructor that you are adding or dropping the subject so that he or she can make a notation when submitting grades to the Registrar's Office.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"To get them to pick a pencil and make a notation — they just think, 'Oh, yeah, I got that.' If you look at the books these guys had written after three weeks, it was impenetrable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He made a notation of this in his office note.

The New York Times

In Miller's day planner on Dec. 17, he makes a notation: "Barkley -- meeting with Bearup in January".

The New York Times - Sports

The principal made a notation, but gave no sign of whether Nate had gotten the right answer.

The New York Times

The only motion was an occasional flutter of the pencil in the crown prince's right hand as he made a notation.

The New York Times

The board listened to her with favor, and the chairman made a notation on her application, reading: "Mrs....is to be treated as a commercial vehicle".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions that require documentation, use "make a notation" to ensure clarity and encourage record-keeping, especially in professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "make a notation" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "note" or "write down" are often more appropriate. It can sound overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a notation" functions as a directive or statement indicating the action of recording information, often in a written form. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as instructing someone to record information or describing the act of recording something oneself. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a notation" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase for indicating that something is being written down for reference or record-keeping. While not as common as alternatives like "take a note", it is appropriate in various contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and technical documentation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across multiple authoritative sources. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the level of formality and whether a simpler alternative might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a note

Focuses on the act of writing a brief record of something.

jot down

Implies quickly writing something down.

write down

A general term for recording information on paper.

record

Emphasizes the act of preserving information.

document

Suggests creating a more formal or detailed record.

put on record

Highlights the official nature of the recording.

register

Indicates entering information into a system or list.

log

Commonly used for recording events or data in a specific sequence.

set down

To record in writing.

inscribe

Implies writing something carefully or permanently.

FAQs

How can I use "make a notation" in a sentence?

You can use "make a notation" to instruct someone to record information, such as, "Please "make a notation" of the changes in the report" or to indicate that you are recording something, such as, "I will "make a notation" of that in my diary".

What phrases are similar to "make a notation"?

Similar phrases include "take a note", "write down", "jot down", and "record". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "make a notation" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make a notation" can sound somewhat formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "take a note" or "write it down".

What's the difference between "make a notation" and "take a note"?

"Make a notation" and "take a note" are very similar. "Make a notation" might imply a slightly more formal or official record-keeping, while "take a note" is generally more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.