to inscribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to inscribe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of writing or engraving words or symbols onto a surface, often in a formal or artistic context. Example: "The artist chose to inscribe her name on the base of the sculpture as a mark of ownership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Perhaps the author would now like to inscribe a dedication?

The New York Times

This meant women could absorb information from men but were unable to inscribe their own reality.

The Guardian

Notably, the script used in books and documents differed slightly from that used to inscribe stone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I wanted to ask forgiveness, to offer it, and then to inscribe it.

The New York Times

The Old Testament commands Jews to inscribe the words "on the doorposts of your house".

The New York Times

Often she will use a felt-tip pen to inscribe phrases on severed branches.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Bech gets an offer from the Superoil Corp. to inscribe 28,500 pages for an edition of "Brother Pig".

The New Yorker

I didn't feel like asking him to inscribe thirty books, but he signed a few and said he'd do the others later.

The New Yorker

In this perspective, naming is often seen as an act of power and a way to inscribe an ideological discourse into the landscape.

Journal of Historical Geography

Murray gruffly offered to inscribe their forearms but ended up writing on a couple of napkins instead.

Huffington Post

The Germans also created a in the country, the (AJB; "Association of Jews in Belgium") in which all Jews were required to inscribe.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to inscribe" when you want to emphasize the act of carefully writing or engraving something, especially on a durable or significant surface. For example, "to inscribe a dedication on a monument".

Common error

Avoid using "to inscribe" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler verbs like "write" or "put" unless you specifically want to convey a sense of permanence or formality.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to inscribe" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of writing or engraving something onto a surface. As Ludwig AI indicates, this action often implies permanence or significance. For example, "The Old Testament commands Jews "to inscribe" the words 'on the doorposts of your house'."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to inscribe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the act of writing or engraving, often with connotations of permanence and significance. While versatile, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. For more casual expressions, consider alternatives such as "to write" or "to mark". When using "to inscribe", aim to emphasize the lasting impact of the written word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to engrave

Emphasizes the act of carving or cutting into a surface, often for a lasting record.

to write

A more general term for putting words down on a surface.

to etch

Suggests a delicate or detailed form of engraving, often using acid.

to imprint

Implies leaving a mark or impression, not necessarily with words.

to record

Focuses on preserving information in a lasting format.

to embed

Highlights the act of fixing something firmly within a surrounding mass.

to carve

Suggests a more sculptural or three-dimensional form of inscription.

to mark

A broad term for creating any kind of visible sign or indication.

to register

Implies officially recording information in a formal system.

to document

Emphasizes the act of providing evidence or a detailed record of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to inscribe" in a sentence?

You can use "to inscribe" when you want to express the action of writing or engraving words or symbols onto a surface, often with a sense of permanence or importance. For example: "The artist planned "to inscribe" the names of the donors on the plaque".

What are some alternatives to "to inscribe"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to engrave", "to write", or "to etch". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to inscribe" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "to inscribe" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing historical events, artistic endeavors, or commemorative actions. It adds a sense of gravity and permanence to the writing.

What is the difference between "to inscribe" and "to write"?

"To write" is a general term for putting words on paper or a surface. "To inscribe", on the other hand, suggests a more deliberate and lasting act of writing, often on a hard or significant surface, such as a monument or a piece of jewelry.