write down

Short definition: The phrase write down means to record information on paper or digitally so it is not forgotten, often used for notes, instructions, or important details.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb write down? This is a very common expression in English and it usually has a practical meaning. It often refers to recording information so you don’t forget it, but it can also describe officially reducing the value of something. Because it appears in both casual and professional contexts, the meaning depends on what you are talking about. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how write down works in daily English.

write down v. /ˌraɪt ˈdaʊn/

Forms: write down, writes down, wrote down, written down, writing down
Related: note v., record v., reduce v., document v.
Syllable: write-down

(Verb) To record information on paper or in digital form so you do not forget it.
To write down something most commonly means to record information by putting it into written form, either on paper or digitally. It is often used for notes, reminders, phone numbers, instructions, or important ideas you want to remember later.

Please write down the address so you don’t forget it.

She quickly wrote down the key points from the meeting.

I always write down my goals at the start of each month.

Synonyms: note, record, jot down, document, list, put on paper, take notes, register in writing, log, mark down, write out, draft
Antonyms: erase, delete, forget, ignore, omit, leave blank, disregard, overlook, discard notes, remove entry, wipe out, neglect to record
(Verb) To officially reduce the value of something, especially in accounting.
In financial or business contexts, write down means officially reducing the recorded value of an asset because it has lost worth. This is commonly used in accounting and corporate discussions.

The company had to write down the value of its outdated equipment.

They wrote down millions in assets after the market declined.

If the investment fails, the firm may write it down in the next report.

Synonyms: reduce value, depreciate, lower valuation, mark down asset, adjust downward, decrease book value, revalue lower, account for loss, impair asset, devalue officially, reduce recorded worth, revise valuation downward
Antonyms: write up, increase value, appreciate, raise valuation, upgrade asset value, revalue higher, boost worth, increase book value, mark up asset, inflate value, enhance valuation, record gain
(Verb) To express something in written form formally or permanently.
Write down can also mean expressing thoughts, agreements, or rules in a written format so they become clear, official, or permanent. This usage often appears in legal, academic, or structured contexts.

The terms of the agreement were written down to avoid confusion later.

It’s better to write down your ideas before presenting them.

She wrote down her personal values in a journal.

Synonyms: formalize in writing, document officially, put into words, draft formally, compose, inscribe, commit to writing, record permanently, set down, script, author, outline in writing
Antonyms: keep verbal, leave undocumented, speak only, avoid documentation, erase record, withdraw written statement, cancel in writing, remove documentation, leave informal, keep unwritten, discard written form, revoke document

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Write down

During a university lecture, Thomas and Mia are taking notes. This dialogue focuses on write down, which means to record information on paper or a computer so that you do not forget it.

Thomas: I need to write down the key dates for the history exam so I can start planning my study schedule for the next few weeks.

Mia: That’s a good idea; I always write down the most important points from the professor's slides to help me remember the material better.

Thomas: I read that you are much more likely to achieve your goals if you write down them and look at the list every single morning.

Mia: I noticed that the waiter didn't write down our order, but he still managed to bring out exactly what we had asked for without errors.

Thomas: If you write down your thoughts in a journal every evening, it can be a very helpful way to process your emotions and reduce stress.

Mia: I saw a witness write down the license plate number of the car that had caused the accident before the driver could speed away.

Thomas: It’s vital to write down the instructions for the new software so that the rest of the team can follow them without needing constant help.

Mia: I agree; I’m going to write down a shopping list for the weekend so we don't forget any of the essentials when we reach the store.

Thomas: I’m glad you could write down the address for me; I would have definitely forgotten it by the time I reached the car this afternoon.

Mia: No problem; once you write down the final confirmation code, we can finish the registration process and be ready for the seminar.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Write Down

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb write down is used to talk about recording information, notes, ideas, or important details so they are not forgotten.

Write down a note

To record a short piece of information.

Please write down a note about the meeting time so you don’t forget it later.

Write down your ideas

To record thoughts or concepts.

She always writes down her ideas in a small notebook before they disappear from her mind.

Write down the address

To record location details.

Make sure you write down the address carefully so you can find the place without getting lost.

Write down the number

To record a phone or reference number.

He quickly wrote down the number before the call ended.

Write down the instructions

To record directions or guidance.

The teacher asked the students to write down the instructions clearly before starting the task.

Write down your goals

To record objectives.

Experts often recommend that you write down your goals to stay focused and motivated.

Write down the details

To record specific information.

She carefully wrote down the details of the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

Write down the answer

To record a response.

After solving the equation, he wrote down the answer confidently on the test paper.

Write down the date

To record a specific day.

Please write down the date of the event so you can mark it on your calendar.

Write down important points

To record key information.

During the lecture, she wrote down important points to review later.

Write down a reminder

To record something you must remember.

I usually write down a reminder to pay my bills before the due date.

Write down a password

To record login information.

For security reasons, it’s better not to write down a password in an obvious place.

Write down your thoughts

To record personal reflections.

Many people write down their thoughts in a journal to clear their minds.

Write down expenses

To record financial spending.

He writes down his expenses every month to manage his budget more effectively.

Write down the schedule

To record planned timing.

Before leaving the office, she wrote down the schedule for the next day.

Write down a question

To record something you want to ask.

If you have doubts, write down a question so you can ask it during the discussion.

Write down the information

To record provided data.

The receptionist asked him to write down the information on the registration form.

Write down a message

To record something for someone else.

She wrote down a message and left it on the desk for her colleague.

Write down the results

To record outcomes or findings.

After completing the experiment, they wrote down the results carefully.

Write down the plan

To record a strategy.

It’s helpful to write down the plan step by step before starting a big project.

Words Rhyme with write down

bright town

light clown

white brown

night frown

sight crown

tight gown

fight noun

might renown

right down

kite town

down

town

clown

brown

frown

crown

gown

noun

renown

updown

countdown

downtown

uptown

sundown

lowdown

showdown

meltdown

cooldown

nightgown

touchdown

POS: Verb Phrase