write down
A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To write something on paper so you can remember it later.
Literal meaning: To move your pen or pencil downward onto paper — transparent in meaning.
Meanings
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
Grammar: 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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
number address name idea notes answer
Forms
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
Understand "write down" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "write down" on Looplines