put in writing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put in writing" is a correct form of written English and may be used when one wishes to express that something should be written down.
For example, "I need you to put in writing what happened during the meeting so we have a record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What she really wanted to talk about was whatever he had said was impossible to put in writing.

The New Yorker

This is a deeply embarrassing thing for any university dean to admit accidentally, let alone to put in writing.

The New Yorker

Nice and fantastic suggestion shared by you.I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website.

Harvard University

People tell you a lot of things that they don't put in writing or sign their name to.

HuffPost

Tip #1 -- You want to put in writing both your short term and your long term dating goals.

Huffington Post

Traders happily put in writing requests that were either illegal or, at the very least, morally questionable.

The Economist

He should put in writing the commitment.

The Guardian

But little has been put in writing.

The New York Times

And all the changes had to be put in writing.

The Economist

But that requirement was not put in writing.

The New York Times

"That's why some things are put in writing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When important decisions or agreements are made verbally, always follow up by putting the details "in writing" to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity for all parties involved.

Common error

Relying solely on verbal agreements can lead to disputes and lack of accountability. Always "put it in writing" to create a clear, verifiable record of the terms agreed upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in writing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of documenting or recording something in a written form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put in writing" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of documenting information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to ensure clarity and create a formal record, as shown in various contexts ranging from news and media to academia and business. Alternatives such as "document" or "formalize in writing" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. To avoid misunderstandings, it's best practice to "put in writing" important decisions and agreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formalize in writing

Highlights the act of making something official through written documentation.

document

Focuses on creating a formal record, shifting from the process to the result.

set down in writing

A more emphatic way of saying something is formally recorded.

record

Emphasizes the act of preserving information, simplifying the phrase.

take down in writing

Emphasizes the act of noting or transcribing information.

commit to paper

Uses a more literary and less formal tone, highlighting the physical act of writing.

put on record

Emphasizes making something officially known, changing the focus slightly.

draft

Focuses on creating a preliminary version of a written document.

scribe

A more archaic term suggesting a formal or careful act of writing.

chronicle

Suggests a detailed and systematic written account of events.

FAQs

How can I use "put in writing" in a sentence?

You can use "put in writing" to emphasize the importance of documenting agreements or instructions, as in "The manager asked the employee to "put in writing" the steps for the new process".

What's a more formal way to say "put in writing"?

A more formal alternative to "put in writing" is to "formalize in writing", which emphasizes the official nature of the documentation.

When should I ask someone to "put in writing" what they said?

You should ask someone to "put in writing" what they said when it involves important details, agreements, or instructions that need to be clearly documented to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Is it always necessary to "put in writing" every agreement?

While not every minor agreement needs to be "put in writing", it's generally advisable to do so for significant agreements, contracts, or instructions to ensure clarity, accountability, and legal enforceability.