write a memo

USAGE SUMMARY

"write a memo" is a complete sentence and it is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to direct someone to compose a written document, usually for the purpose of delivering an announcement or instruction. For example, "Please write a memo to all employees outlining the company's new safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

His first task was to write a memo.

The New Yorker

After the meeting, Holbrooke told Nasr, "Write a memo".

The New Yorker

Feedback memo: Students review the video and write a memo to their negotiation counterpart with feedback.

Harvard University

The leak prompted Spiegel to write a memo to staff explaining that he was "definitely angry.

The Guardian - Tech

Offer to get questions answered, follow up on client requests or write a memo comparing two potential vendors, he said.

The New York Times

You should put him in a room and close the door, and let him write a memo.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A year later he wrote a memo to colleagues that advocated a "wireless university".

The Guardian

A year later, toxicologist Linda Hall wrote a memo objecting to the proposal.

The Guardian

Daschner considered his options and wrote a memo.

The Guardian - Opinion

He wrote a memo telling the state courts to comply with the ICJ's ruling.

The Economist

In mid-December 1953, Duntov wrote a memo destined to wake up the Chevrolet division.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "write a memo", clearly define its purpose and intended audience to ensure your message is focused and effective.

Common error

Don't "write a memo" that's overly long or uses jargon; get straight to the point with clear, simple language to maintain reader engagement and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "write a memo" is that of an imperative verb phrase, often used to issue a directive or instruction. As Ludwig AI correctly states, it is correct and usable in written English. The plentiful examples in Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "write a memo" is a grammatically correct and highly common imperative used to instruct someone to create a memorandum. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and correctness in written English. Its primary function is to convey a request or instruction, particularly in professional or neutral contexts. While alternatives like "draft a memorandum" exist, "write a memo" remains a direct and widely understood way to assign this task. Be sure to define the memo's purpose and audience clearly, and avoid using overly complex language or unnecessary length.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a memorandum

Formal alternative using 'memorandum' instead of 'memo'.

compose a memo

Replaces 'write' with 'compose', implying careful construction.

prepare a memorandum

Similar to 'draft a memorandum', emphasizes preparation.

pen a memo

A more stylized and slightly archaic way to say "write a memo".

create a memo

Emphasizes the act of making or producing the memo.

send a memo

Focuses on the action of transmitting the memo after writing it.

issue a memo

Highlights the distribution and official nature of the memo.

circulate a memo

Focuses on the act of distributing a memo to a group of people.

jot down a memo

Implies a quick and informal process of noting something down.

dash off a memo

Suggests writing a memo quickly and without much effort.

FAQs

How do I use "write a memo" in a sentence?

You can use "write a memo" as an instruction, such as, "The manager asked me to "write a memo" summarizing the meeting's key decisions".

What are some alternatives to "write a memo"?

You can use alternatives like "draft a memorandum", "compose a memo", or "prepare a memorandum", depending on the formality you want to convey.

Is it better to "write a memo" or send an email?

Memos are often used for official or formal communications, while emails are more common for informal or quick updates. The choice depends on the context and the message's importance.

What's the difference between "write a memo" and "prepare a memo"?

While the two are largely interchangeable, ""write a memo"" focuses on the writing aspect, whereas "prepare a memo" encompasses the broader process of planning, drafting, and finalizing the document.