set down in writing

USAGE SUMMARY

"set down in writing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to recording information in a permanent form, such as writing it down on paper or entering it into a computer file. For example, "The company's policies were set down in writing in the employee handbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Its 51 articles set down in writing for the first time the legal precedents of the bakufu.

Britannica

In the Constitutions of Clarendon Henry tried to set down in writing the ancient customs of the land.

Britannica

Lord Chief Justice Woolf, Britain's top judge, was pilloried in the press this week for suggesting that the two legal systems are more similar than screenwriters make out.Lord Woolf was trying to set down in writing how far judges could "discount" minimum prison terms for defendants who plead guilty.

The Economist

Not only did he set down in writing the fullest portrait imaginable of a liberal and free-thinking man, Samuel Johnson, but in his journal he left behind a unique record of the daily activities, doubts and dreads, vanities and self-vauntings, of another man: himself.

The Guardian - Books

Dürer, in 1512, was the first artist of the era to properly set down in writing his theories of art, followed by Lucas de Heere in 1565 and Karel van Mander in 1604.

Wikipedia

Where the breach has occurred in a jurisdiction outside the UK, local practises or customs should be disregarded when deciding this, unless they form part of the "written law" of the jurisdiction; "written law" is given to mean any constitution, statute or judicial opinion set down in writing.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

His lectures were also set down in written commentaries, of which the commentary on Book I of the Sentences (a commentary known as Ordinatio) was actually written by Ockham himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is the only person in this country who earns a living from that sort of music which is difficult and has never been set down in written form.

The New Yorker

The principles, which until that time had been transmitted through word of mouth based on regimental experience, were then finally set down in a written counterinsurgency doctrine.

Johns Hopkins University

An integration agreement, in which the job search duties are set down in a written text, was introduced into legislation (see Dietz et al. 2013 and van den Berg et al. 2014).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The Ramayana elicited many retellings before being set down in the oldest surviving written version, by Valmiki; this, in turn, was reworked into new compositions incorporating changing historical circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When formalizing agreements or important information, use "set down in writing" to emphasize the creation of a tangible, permanent record. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "set down in writing" in casual conversations or informal correspondence. Simpler alternatives like "write it down" or "make a note" are more appropriate in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set down in writing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of recording information permanently. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Examples show its use in formalizing legal precedents, documenting historical events, and establishing company policies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set down in writing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the act of formally recording information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Its primary function is to emphasize permanence and clarity, making it suitable for neutral to professional contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedia entries, and business documents. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context to avoid overuse in casual settings. Remember to use this phrase when aiming to create a clear and lasting record of important details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

record in writing

Emphasizes the act of making an official or permanent record through written means.

put on record

Highlights the intention of making something officially known and documented.

put in black and white

Highlights the clarity and definiteness achieved by recording information in a written format.

formalize in writing

Indicates the act of making something official or legally binding through a written document.

codify

Indicates the systematic and comprehensive arrangement of laws or rules in a written code.

commit to paper

Focuses on the physical act of writing something on paper, emphasizing the transition from thought to tangible form.

document in detail

Focuses on the thoroughness of the written record, highlighting the inclusion of comprehensive information.

inscribe

Implies a more formal or lasting method of recording, such as carving or engraving.

draft

Focuses on the initial creation of a written document, often implying a preliminary version.

chronicle

Suggests a detailed and chronological written account of events or information.

FAQs

How can I use "set down in writing" in a sentence?

You can use "set down in writing" to describe the act of formally recording something. For example, "The company's policies were "set down in writing" in the employee handbook."

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

You can use alternatives like "record in writing", "put in black and white", or "commit to paper" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to "set down in writing" all agreements?

While not always legally required, "setting down in writing" important agreements helps ensure clarity and prevents future disputes. It provides a tangible record of the terms agreed upon.

What's the difference between ""set down in writing"" and "write down"?

"Set down in writing" implies a more formal and deliberate act of recording information, often with the intention of creating a permanent or official record. "Write down" is a more general term for simply noting something.