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write down

A2 neutral separable transitive

To record something in writing so you do not forget it, or to reduce the official value of something in accounting.

In plain English

To write something on paper so you can remember it later.

What does "write down" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To record something by writing it on paper or another surface.

"Write down the homework assignment before you forget it."

If you have a good idea, write it down.

— Widely attributed to various sources; common productivity advice
separable
2 C1 idiomatic formal

In accounting or finance, to reduce the official value of an asset on a balance sheet.

"The company had to write down the value of its overseas investments."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To move your pen or pencil downward onto paper — transparent in meaning.

Actually means

To write something on paper so you can remember it later.

Usage tip

Extremely common in everyday English. The accounting sense (reducing the book value of an asset) is used in business and finance contexts. Both senses are in widespread use.

Words that pair with "write down"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

number address name idea notes answer

How to conjugate "write down"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
write down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
writes down
he/she/it
Past simple
wrote down
yesterday
Past participle
written down
have + pp
-ing form
writing down
continuous

Hear "write down" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "write down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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