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write

A1
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rˈaɪt/

US

  • /ˈraɪt/

Description

To write isn't just about putting pen to paper (or fingers to a keyboard). It is the act of forming letters or symbols to share thoughts, stories, information, or even just a quick grocery list. Think of ancient scribes carefully etching hieroglyphs onto stone tablets. That was writing. But it also includes composing an email to a friend, crafting a novel, or simply jotting down a reminder.

You can write with different tools: pens, pencils, computers, or even your finger in the sand. You can write a letter, a song, a poem, or a contract. Sometimes it is about recording history ("Historians write accounts of the past"), and sometimes it is about creating something entirely new ("She writes beautiful fantasy novels"). A person who creates written works is often called an author or a writer.

Examples

  1. 1

    Form

    Please write your full name at the top of the form.

  2. 2

    Pen function

    This pen won't write on glossy paper.

  3. 3

    Memory aid

    I wrote the phone number down before I lost the receipt.

    • Phrase

      write down

      write something so you do not forget it

  4. 4

    Personal letters

    She writes to her brother in Canada every week.

  5. 5

    Quick message

    Can you write me a quick email when you get home?

    • Grammar

      write someone something

      create it and send it to them

  6. 6

    Blog post

    He wrote about his trip on his blog.

  7. 7

    Book author

    She wrote a children's book during the summer.

  8. 8

    Journalism

    She writes for a local newspaper.

    • Pattern

      write for + publication

      produce articles for it

  9. 9

    Medical prescription

    The doctor wrote her a prescription for the pain.

    • Domain

      write someone a prescription

      officially order medicine for them

  10. 10

    Formal notes

    I still need to write up the meeting notes.

    • Phrase

      write up

      prepare something in a full written form

  11. 11

    Written reply

    Thanks for the card. I'll write back tonight.

    • Phrase

      write back

      reply in writing

  12. 12

    Critical judgment

    A lot of critics wrote the film off before it was even released.

    • Phrase

      write someone or something off

      decide they are not worth any more attention or hope

See also

verbproduce words or text in written form

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • write a letter
  • write an email
  • write down
  • write in

Word family

Explore

  • communication
  • authorship

Forms and spellings

5 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • writeverb

Forms

  • writtenpast participleverb
  • writing-ing formverb
  • wrotepast tenseverb
  • writesverb