written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been composed or inscribed in text form. Example: "The written report must be submitted by Friday for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract.

The Guardian - Sport

Directed and written by Paul Morrison, it is the story of a Jewish door-to-door salesman who falls in love with a good chapel girl, and is told in Welsh, Yiddish and English.

The Guardian - Film

No verbal or written correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful applicants although unsuccessful applicants may apply to other selective Guardian Masterclasses.

The Guardian

Cowell added: "I want to thank ITV for their continued support and, most of all, all of you guys in the room who've slagged us off, written nice things, but it's all been great – you've made us successful, loads of money – so thank you very much indeed".

The Guardian

Then she found letters he had written home from Egypt to his wife and six children, and something in their tone captivated her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In response Gleeson gave an undertaking to the court not to engage in "any actions involving the surrender or delivery to custody of the Sri Lankan military or its delegates" without 72 hours' written notice.

The Guardian

Verbal and written feedback from patients has been largely very positive and measures of depression and anxiety on average show a significant reduction following the course.

The Guardian

Chadwick's despondent vocals and a melancholic guitar line are run though a heavy wash of reverb, the kind of song that sounds like it was written at the depressing end of an all-night bender.

The Guardian - Music

Yet for all of this effort, the polls have barely moved in months, a hung parliament looks inevitable and the manifestos have been written as coalition bargaining positions rather than binding promises.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Junts tornem", it said, a statement of intent written across the players' "chests as they ran on to the pitch: "together, we'll be back".

The Guardian - Sport

The terror group stressed in a series of written answers to the Guardian's questions that future attacks would alternate between the "military, political and economic targets".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "written", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to the act of writing or the state of something being documented. For example, "written consent" versus "beautifully written prose".

Common error

Avoid using "written" when you mean "writing". "Writing" refers to the act of composing, while "written" describes something that has already been composed. Example: "The writing process is complex" (not "written process").

Linguistic Context

The word "written" primarily functions as a past participle of the verb write, often used in perfect tenses (e.g., has written) and passive constructions. It also functions as an adjective describing something that has been recorded in writing as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "written" functions both as a verb form and an adjective, denoting the act of writing and the state of being recorded, respectively. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. Its frequency in news and media highlights its widespread usage in conveying documented information. When employing "written", ensure clarity in differentiating its verbal and adjectival roles to maintain precision and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in writing

Refers to the state of being documented rather than the act of composing.

documented

Focuses on the recording aspect, emphasizing preservation of information.

scripted

Suggests a pre-planned and detailed composition, especially for performances.

composed

Emphasizes the act of creating a literary or musical work.

recorded

Highlights the act of capturing information in a lasting form.

penned

Implies a more literary or formal style of writing.

drafted

Suggests an initial or preliminary version of a document.

inscribed

Refers to writing that is engraved or carved onto a surface.

authored

Highlights the role of the creator or originator of the written work.

put in black and white

Idiomatic phrase emphasizing clarity and formality of a written agreement.

FAQs

How is "written" used as an adjective?

As an adjective, "written" describes something that has been recorded in writing, such as "written agreement" or "written instructions".

What is the difference between "written" and "verbal"?

"Written" refers to communication recorded in text, while "verbal" refers to spoken communication. A "written contract" is a document, whereas a "verbal agreement" is an understanding reached through speaking.

Which is correct: "written report" or "writing report"?

"Written report" is correct. "Written" acts as an adjective describing the report. "Writing report" would imply the act of producing the report, but isn't grammatically sound.

What can I say instead of "beautifully written"?

Alternatives include "eloquently composed", "artfully crafted", or "exquisitely written", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.