writing notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"writing notes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts; for example, "I struggled to keep up in class, so I started writing notes to help me remember the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bored by writing notes.

The Guardian - Books

Many are writing notes on their ballots.

The New York Times

(I found myself writing notes about "gnomes" and then "gnomettes").

The New York Times - Arts

It was the better posture for writing notes.

The New Yorker

They became friends & he helped her pass the time by writing notes.

The New Yorker

We became more used to writing notes back and forth and using the iPad.

The New York Times

"I started writing notes to myself on a napkin that had been around a flatbread sandwich.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hand-writing notes feels a lot like writing with a pen and paper.

The New York Times - Tech

I call it the "writing-notes-in-longhand" technique.

Huffington Post

So give the "writing-notes-in-longhand" technique a try.

Huffington Post

Studies have proved that hand-writing notes helps in effective recollection (not to mention, it improves your writing speed too).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal research contexts, specify the medium (e.g., 'writing notes in a diary' or 'writing notes on a digital tablet') to provide clearer methodological detail.

Common error

Avoid using 'writing down of notes' which is needlessly wordy. Also, be careful not to confuse "writing notes" with 'writing a note'; the former usually implies a continuous process of documentation, while the latter refers to a single correspondence or a short letter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase primarily functions as a gerund-participle phrase. As a gerund, it acts as a noun (e.g., "Writing notes helps memory"), and as a present participle, it can form part of a continuous verb tense or act as an adjectival modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and usable phrase in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki & How-to Guides

35%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference Literature

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "writing notes" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct phrase suitable for a wide array of professional and personal contexts. Whether it appears in a scientific study regarding data documentation or a lifestyle guide for student success, the phrase remains a staple of the English language. Ludwig AI highlights that while synonyms like "taking notes" are more specific to receptive learning, "writing notes" covers a broader spectrum of active information management. Its high frequency in elite publications like The New York Times and various BMC journals underscores its reliability for any writer looking to describe the process of record-keeping or brainstorming.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking notes

More common when referring to recording information from an external source like a lecture or meeting

noting down

A phrasal verb alternative that emphasizes the act of recording a specific point

jotting down notes

Suggests a quicker, more informal or brief act of writing

making notes

Often used in British English to describe the process of synthesizing information while reading or thinking

recording observations

More formal and typical in scientific or clinical research contexts

scribbling notes

Implies a hurried, messy or informal style of writing

documenting ideas

Focuses on the formal preservation of thoughts or concepts

drafting notes

Suggests a preliminary stage of writing that may be expanded later

annotating

Specifically refers to writing notes directly onto a pre-existing text or document

transcribing

Refers to the verbatim recording of spoken words into written form

FAQs

Is "writing notes" correct in formal English?

Yes, "writing notes" is perfectly correct. Ludwig examples show it appearing frequently in academic journals like "BMC Medical Education" and prestigious newspapers like The New York Times.

What is the difference between "taking notes" and "writing notes"?

While often used interchangeably, "taking notes" usually implies recording what someone else is saying, whereas "writing notes" can also describe generating your own original thoughts or reflections.

What are some more informal ways to say "writing notes"?

You might use "jotting down notes" or "scribbling notes" if the action is fast, messy or casual.

Can I use "writing notes" for digital devices?

Yes, modern usage of "writing notes" includes digital input. You can say you are "making notes" or writing them on a tablet or phone, though some prefer 'typing notes' for keyboard use.