write something down

USAGE SUMMARY

"write something down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to put something in writing. For example, "Can you please write down your address so we can mail you the package?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I need you to write something down, he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"People should pay a lot of attention when they write something down".

The Guardian - Film

The moment you write something down or say it out loud it has less power over you".

The Guardian - Film

She interrupted herself after demonstrating the squeak by saying she had to go and write something down, thus suggesting that she might not have finished the demonstration.

The Economist

Just trying to write something down on a piece of paper is somewhat of an ordeal until you "figure it out" in your brain.

The New York Times - Science

Just the documentation in time of what I was feeling and saying, because I have such a bad memory if I don't write something down, I forget it.

The Guardian - Music

Just because I write something down as my version of the facts doesn't mean that they will be the absolute facts or that another person could not interpret those facts differently".

The New York Times - Health

The upside was that if I did have the chart in front of me, and I saw that someone had taken the trouble to write something down, I believed it.

The New York Times

SECRETARY CHRISTOPHER: I think he feels that there should be a reaffirmation of it, but I think he is in agreement that it should be in writing this time, and when you write something down, you tend to give precision to it.

Yale University

Take notes: When you write something down, you signal that you consider it important enough to remember -- and you remember it.

Forbes

Whether you're swapping from app to app or pulling out the pen to write something down, there is no discernible lag.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, follow "write something down" with a reason, such as "so you don't forget" or "for future reference".

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or indirect alternatives when "write something down" is perfectly clear. For example, instead of saying "please commit that to paper", simply ask to "write something down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "write something down" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to perform the action of recording information in written form. The Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "write something down" is a versatile and correct phrase for instructing someone to record information in writing, according to Ludwig. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal situations. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid overly complex alternatives. Remember, it's a straightforward and effective way to ensure information is accurately captured and easily retrievable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jot something down

Uses "jot" suggesting a quick or informal note.

take note of something

Focuses on the act of paying attention and recording information.

make a note of something

Similar to "take note", emphasizing the creation of a written record.

record something in writing

More formal and explicit about the method of recording.

put something in writing

Emphasizes the act of formalizing something by writing it down.

document something

Suggests a more detailed and official recording.

scribble something down

Implies a hasty or careless way of writing.

pen something down

Uses "pen" to specify the writing instrument.

transcribe something

Suggests copying something that was already said or written.

log something

Implies recording something in a systematic way

FAQs

How can I use "write something down" in a sentence?

You can use "write something down" to ask someone to record information. For example, "Could you "write something down" so we don't forget the directions?"

What's a less formal way to ask someone to "write something down"?

Informally, you could say "jot that down" or "scribble that down", depending on the context and how quickly you need the note taken.

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

"Take notes" implies a more comprehensive recording of information, like during a lecture or meeting. "Write something down" is more general and can refer to recording anything, from a phone number to a quick reminder.

When is it appropriate to use "write something down" in a professional setting?

It's appropriate to use "write something down" in a professional setting when you need a colleague or client to record important information, such as action items, contact details, or specific requirements for a project. Ensure your tone remains polite and professional.