put to paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'put to paper' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean putting something down on paper, such as completing a written document. For example: I finally put all my ideas to paper and created a comprehensive business plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Hardly a word has been put to paper.

The Guardian

It's a good story, easily as curious as any Buck herself put to paper.

The New York Times - Books

In Garner's view, good writing is good thinking put to paper.

Stanford University

It was the first story she had ever put to paper.

The Guardian - Books

Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago.

The Washington Post

The ideas that they brought along were nearly as fantastic as anything Barker had put to paper.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I run to read whatever Hillenbrand puts to paper.

The New York Times - Books

Readers who miss Feiffer's moody dancer should check out the kids he's been putting to paper.

The New York Times - Books

Putting to paper the pain and sadness of Shannon's struggle was just too much for me.

Huffington Post

Put pen to paper in order to challenge yourself.

Huffington Post

He will put pen to paper next week.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put to paper" when you want to emphasize the act of formally recording or writing down thoughts, ideas, or information, particularly when creating a lasting record.

Common error

Avoid using "put to paper" in very casual conversations or informal notes. Simpler alternatives like "write down" or "jot down" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Put to paper functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It describes the action of transferring thoughts, ideas, or information into a written form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and frequently used expression, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put to paper" is a versatile and widely used expression meaning to write something down, especially in a formal or deliberate manner. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's grammatically correct and frequently encountered across various writing styles. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media. While simpler alternatives like "write down" exist, "put to paper" emphasizes a conscious effort to record and preserve information. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Avoid overusing it in very informal situations where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to writing

Focuses more on the act of formally recording something.

write down

A more basic and general way to say "put to paper".

set down in writing

Emphasizes the formality and permanence of recording something.

record in writing

Highlights the act of preserving information through writing.

document

Suggests creating an official record.

inscribe

Implies a more formal or permanent method of writing, like engraving.

draft

Suggests a preliminary version of a written work.

jot down

Implies writing something quickly and informally.

transcribe

Refers to copying something that was already written or spoken.

pencil down

Similar to "write down", but explicitly uses a pencil.

FAQs

What does "put to paper" mean?

The phrase "put to paper" means to write something down, especially in a formal or permanent way. It suggests taking thoughts, ideas, or information and recording them on paper.

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

You can use "put to paper" to describe the act of writing down anything from a fleeting idea to a complex plan. For example, "I need to "commit to writing" my thoughts so I don't forget them" or "The agreement was finally "set down in writing" after weeks of negotiations."

Are there any alternatives to "put to paper"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "write down", "record in writing", "document", or "inscribe" depending on the context.

Is "put to paper" formal or informal?

"Put to paper" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards a slightly more formal tone than simple alternatives like "write down". Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone of your writing.