put down in writing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put down in writing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of recording information or ideas in written form. Example: "It's important to put down in writing all the details of the agreement to avoid any misunderstandings later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Don't feel shame" have ever been put down in writing for directors, producers and actors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Neither Lavie nor Friedman have alleged that this policy was put down in writing.

The Washington Post

I want to put down in writing my ideas for the future of the institution that is to use I Tatti and my entire estate after my demise.

Harvard University

It found that just 53% had put down in writing what they wanted to happen in the event of their death.

The Guardian - Money

There is another paradox in the fact that Plato put the parable in the mouth of the last great Greek oral philosopher, whose ideas he had chosen to put down in writing.

The Guardian - Opinion

So while China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, might put down in writing its targets for slowing the growth of emissions, it will make clear that those efforts are voluntary steps it plans to take domestically that should not imply a binding international commitment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Old Church Slavonic was the first Slavic language to be put down in written form.

Britannica

The agreement — sweeping by design, with few details to bog down negotiators — puts down in writing for the first time the nature of the relationship the United States will have with Afghanistan once the bulk of American troops go home.

The New York Times

Putting down in writing what you wish to learn and WHY.

WikiHow

He was asked, when he sent a memo to Downing Street, why he had put something down in writing.

The Guardian

After his retirement, Mr. Holman remained deeply involved in basketball as a good-will ambassador, traveling the world and espousing the ideas he first put down in 1921 when he wrote "Scientific Basketball". The book became a textbook for coaches everywhere, even after the game changed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When formalizing agreements or important decisions, always "put down in writing" the key terms and conditions to avoid future misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't rely solely on verbal agreements. Even if trust exists, "putting" the details "down in writing" ensures clarity and provides a reference point should disputes arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put down in writing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of recording information or ideas in a tangible, written format. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes the act of documentation for clarity and permanence. The provided examples demonstrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put down in writing" is a common phrase used to describe the act of recording information in written form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its purpose is to ensure clarity, accuracy, and a lasting record of agreements, decisions, or thoughts. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic sources. Related phrases include "commit to paper", "record in writing", and "document in writing". To avoid misunderstandings, it's best practice to "put" important agreements and decisions "down in writing". Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to paper

Replaces "put down" with "commit", emphasizing the act of formally recording something.

record in writing

Substitutes "put down" with "record", focusing on the act of documentation.

document in writing

Uses "document" instead of "put down", highlighting the official recording of information.

write down

A simpler alternative, focusing on the act of writing.

set down in writing

Replaces "put" with "set", offering a slightly more formal tone.

put in black and white

Idiomatic expression meaning to make something clear and definite in writing.

reduce to writing

Emphasizes the process of converting something into a written form.

formalize in writing

Focuses on the act of making something official through written documentation.

capture in writing

Highlights the act of preserving information through written means.

draft in written form

Emphasizes the act of creating a preliminary written version.

FAQs

What does "put down in writing" mean?

The phrase "put down in writing" means to record something in a written or printed form, rather than just remembering it or saying it aloud. It emphasizes the act of creating a physical or digital document.

What can I say instead of "put down in writing"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to paper", "record in writing", or "document in writing" depending on the context.

Why is it important to "put" things "down in writing"?

"Putting" things "down in writing" ensures clarity, provides a reference, and can prevent misunderstandings or disputes. It also creates a formal record of agreements, decisions, or information.

Is "put in writing" the same as "put down in writing"?

While similar, "put in writing" is more general and simply means to write something. "Put down in writing" emphasizes a more deliberate act of recording or documenting information, often for preservation or formalization.