put on paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put on paper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to writing something down. For example: "I need to put my ideas on paper before I forget them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kampusch wrote short stories in her mind "that nobody would put on paper".

The New York Times - Books

You have the candidate's resume, but what really matters can't be put on paper.

Harvard Business Review

But the proportion of important business actually put on paper has diminished.

The New York Times - Books

I can't spit out something that you can put on paper".

The New York Times - Sports

The Senate now needs to make a strong defense of the principles it has, at last, put on paper.

The New York Times

What remains to be seen is what the speaker of the House will actually put on paper.

The Guardian

The whole reason a supercommittee was created was because the President wasn't willing to lead, wasn't willing to even put on paper his plans for cutting spending.

The New York Times

He added: "It's funny to say, but the talent shows up on the playing field, and what you put on paper sometimes doesn't matter.

The New York Times - Sports

If you tell yourself you're going to work the next day, then the book is with you and you're thinking the thoughts you can't put on paper.

The Guardian - Books

A lawyer who can help put on paper the necessary directives to conform with the person's wishes and with the law is helpful, but not required.

The New York Times

By appealing, the lawyers were forced to put on paper their fear that their case could be over if they cannot begin counting ballots until Saturday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put on paper" when you want to emphasize the act of formally recording or documenting something in writing. It can be especially useful when contrasting it with verbal agreements or unspoken intentions.

Common error

While "put on paper" is a valid phrase, avoid using it in very informal situations where simpler alternatives like "write down" or "jot down" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on paper" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb construction. It describes the action of recording something in a tangible, written form. Ludwig shows that this phrase commonly appears when emphasizing the importance of documenting information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put on paper" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies the act of recording something in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It’s frequently found in news and media, Wiki, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to be mindful of the level of formality and choose more straightforward alternatives, like "write down" or "document", in informal settings. Remember that using "put on paper" emphasizes the deliberate act of documentation, making it perfect for highlighting the transition from abstract ideas to tangible records.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

write down

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way of saying to record something in writing.

document

This alternative focuses on the act of creating an official record.

record in writing

This alternative is a more formal and explicit way of saying to write something down.

commit to writing

This alternative emphasizes the act of making a firm decision to write something down.

set down in writing

This alternative highlights the act of formally establishing something in written form.

transcribe

This alternative suggests converting spoken words into written form.

draft

This alternative refers to creating a preliminary version of a written document.

jot down

This alternative implies quickly writing something down, often in a casual manner.

take notes

This alternative refers specifically to writing down key points or information.

capture in writing

This alternative emphasizes the act of preserving something through written form.

FAQs

How can I use "put on paper" in a sentence?

You can use "put on paper" when you want to describe the act of formally recording something in writing. For example, "The agreement needs to be "written down" before it's official", or "I need to "document" my ideas before I forget them".

What are some alternatives to "put on paper"?

Some alternatives to "put on paper" include "write down", "document", "record in writing", and "commit to writing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "put on paper" formal or informal?

"Put on paper" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's appropriate for most business and academic contexts, but may sound a bit too formal for very casual conversations. Alternatives like "jot down" are more informal.

What's the difference between "put on paper" and "write down"?

While both phrases refer to recording information in writing, "put on paper" often implies a more formal or deliberate act of documentation, whereas "write down" is a more general and less formal term. For example, you might "put on paper" a formal agreement, but you would "write down" a quick note.