write notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"write notes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context to refer to the act of taking written notes on a particular matter. For example: "I suggest you write notes during the meeting so that you can refer back to them later."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can talk or write notes.

The New York Times - Books

You don't talk; you write notes.

The Guardian - Books

He is said to be able to write notes.

The New York Times - Arts

You can write notes to yourself in the margins too.

The Guardian

Many write notes or meet with the families in private.

The New York Times

He took out a Moleskine notebook and began to write notes in it.

The New Yorker

Of course it also lets you write notes by hand, make illustrations and annotate PowerPoint documents.

The New York Times

You can write notes in the margin.

TechCrunch

Artists can also write notes about their work.

TechCrunch

I write notes on their card that qualify them.

Forbes

Take notes: Bookmark pages, make highlights and write notes.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attending lectures or meetings, actively "write notes" to improve retention and facilitate later review.

Common error

Avoid simply transcribing information verbatim; instead, actively synthesize and "write notes" that capture the core concepts and connections in your own words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "write notes" is as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating written records of information. Ludwig provides various examples showing how this phrase is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "write notes" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the act of recording information in written form. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently across various contexts, from informal note-taking to more structured documentation. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing whether to use "write notes" or a more formal alternative. Remember to focus on summarizing key points, actively listening, and synthesizing information to enhance the effectiveness of your note-taking. By following these guidelines, you can master the art of writing effective and informative notes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take notes

Emphasis on the action of recording information in a structured way.

jot down notes

Suggests a quicker, more informal way of noting things.

make notes

Focuses on the creation of notes as an outcome.

scribble notes

Implies a hurried or messy form of note-taking.

record observations

Highlights the act of documenting what is seen or noticed.

document findings

Suggests a more formal and detailed recording of information.

keep a record

Emphasizes the maintenance of an ongoing account.

draft a memorandum

Implies the preparation of a brief report.

pen some thoughts

A more literary or creative way to say write notes.

capture insights

Focuses on preserving key understandings or realizations.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "write notes" effectively?

Focus on active listening, summarizing key points, and using abbreviations or symbols to speed up the process. Reviewing your notes shortly after writing them can also enhance retention.

What are some alternatives to "write notes" in a formal setting?

In a formal context, you might consider using terms like "record observations", "document findings", or "keep a record" depending on the specific situation.

Is it better to "write notes" by hand or type them on a computer?

The best method depends on your personal preferences and the situation. Handwriting can improve memory retention, while typing allows for faster note-taking and easier organization.

What's the difference between "take notes" and "write notes"?

While both phrases are very similar, "write notes" emphasizes the physical act of writing, while "take notes" can encompass various methods of recording information, including typing or using a recording device. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.