make a note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a note" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to remind yourself or someone else to remember something, such as an appointment, a deadline, or an important fact. For example, "I'm going to make a note to call my grandmother tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll make a note of that.

The New Yorker

Make a note of every detail.

The New Yorker

Make a note of that one".

The Guardian - Music

Everywhere they stop, make a note.

The Guardian - Travel

"Cycads, eh? Make a note, Duane".

The Guardian - Books

Make a note of registration deadlines on your calendar.

The New York Times

"Martin, will you make a note of that?" she said.

The New York Times

Could Rob just make a note of a metaphor, please?

Independent

He will not make a note of it.

The New Yorker

I make a note of where I park.

The New York Times

For each role, make a note of your responsibilities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a note" when you want to emphasize the action of recording something for later reference. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, consider alternatives like "document" or "record" in formal reports to convey a more professional tone. "Make a note" is often perceived as less formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a note" functions primarily as a directive, urging the listener or reader to record something for future reference. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the versatility of the phrase in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

35%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a note" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct or remind someone to record information. As Ludwig highlights, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to wikis, although formal or scientific contexts may require alternatives. While generally neutral in register, overusing "make a note" in formal writing can sound less professional. Alternatives like ""take note"", ""write down"", and ""jot down"" offer nuanced options depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take note

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

jot down

Implies a quick and informal way of writing something down.

write down

A general term for recording information on paper or electronically.

record

A broader term that can refer to any method of preserving information.

document

Suggests a more formal and detailed recording of information.

keep a record

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of tracking information.

put on record

Highlights the act of formally documenting something.

bear in mind

Focuses on remembering something, rather than physically writing it down.

memorize

Implies committing something to memory, without external recording.

remember

A general term for retaining information in one's memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a note" to suggest someone should write something down, for example: "Make a note of the deadline".

What can I say instead of "make a note"?

Alternatives include "take note", "write down", or "jot down", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "take a note" or "make a note"?

Both "take a note" and "make a note" are acceptable. "Take a note" might be slightly more common in some contexts, but the difference is minimal.

When is it best to use "make a note" instead of simply "remember"?

"Make a note" is preferred when you want to ensure that the information is recorded in a tangible way, reducing the risk of forgetting it. "Remember" is suitable for less critical information.