Back to Report
write · verb I or T /raɪt/Full view
Nouns: writer, writing
Adjectives: unwritten, written
Verbs: write, rewrite
write (PRODUCE)
A1 to produce letters, words or numbers on a surface or computer
Dictionary examples:

Write your name at the top of the page.

When you fill in the form, please write clearly in black ink.

Can I borrow your laptop tonight - I need to write my essay.

Learner example:

Ev[e]ry le[sson] I read and write loads o[f] sentences. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Bengali)

write (COMMUNICATE)
A2 to send a letter or email to someone, giving them information or expressing your thoughts or feelings
Dictionary examples:

James hasn't written to me recently.

I wrote my sister a letter.

My mother wrote to give me details about the party.

The travel company has written giving information about the trip.

Learner example:

I can write [my penfriend] a letter twice a week. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

write (CREATE)
B1 to create a book, story, article, etc. or a piece of music
Dictionary examples:

He's writing a book on Colombia.

She writes for Time magazine.

Walton wrote the Cello Concerto in 1956.

Learner example:

Stephen King wrote this book. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

write · phrasal verb /raɪt/
write sth down or write down sth
B1 to write something on a piece of paper so that you do not forget it
Dictionary example:

Did you write Jo's phone number down?

Learner example:

I wrote the address down and left the restaurant. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

write sb/sth off or write off sb/sth
C2 to decide that someone or something is not useful or important
Dictionary example:

They had written him off before they even met him.

Learner example:

She had written that man off. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

write sth up or write up sth
C1 to write something on paper or on a computer in a complete or final form, often using notes you have made
Dictionary example:

Have you written up that report yet?

Cambridge logo