writewrite /raɪt/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense wrote /rəʊt $ roʊt/, past participle written /ˈrɪtn/) 
He wrote some very famous books. Who wrote ‘Harry Potter’? I can’t come with you – I have an essay to write.write about O'Brien often writes about her native Ireland.well/badly/poorly etc written The article is very well written. b)[intransitive] someone who writes earns money by writing books, plays, articles etc: Sean decided he wanted to write, and quit his job.write for Maureen Dowd writes for ‘The New York Times’.2letter [intransitive, transitive] to put words in a letter to someonewrite to I’ve written to my MP, and to the city council.write somebody American English Chris hasn’t written me for a long time. I wrote her several letters, but she didn’t reply.GRAMMAR: Patterns with write• You write to someone: · She writes to me every month.• In American English, you can also write someone: · She writes me every month.• You write someone a letter, note, story etc: · Please write me a letter soon. ✗Don’t say: Please write to me a letter soon.• You write to someone about a subject or an experience: · He wrote to me about his trip to France. ✗Don’t say: He wrote to me his trip to France.• Write is often used in the progressive: · I am writing to tell you something important.3form words [intransitive, transitive] to form letters or numbers with a pen or pencil: Kerry could read and write when she was five.4state something [transitive] to state something in a book, letter, advertisement etc, or on a labelwrite (that) Isabella wrote that she was dying, and asked him to visit her for the last time.be written on something The price is written on the label.5music/song [transitive] to write a piece of music or a song: Mozart wrote the music. The song was originally written by Leonard Cohen.6computer program [transitive] to make a program for a computer to use: He writes software programs for financial institutions.7a computer records something [intransitive, transitive] if a computer writes something, it records it on a disk or in its memorywrite to/onto data that had been written to disk8cheque/document etc (also write out) [transitive] to write information on a cheque, form etc: Wouldn’t it be easier if I just wrote a cheque for the lot? The doctor wrote me a prescription for sleeping pills.9pen [intransitive] if a pen writes, it works properly: Do any of these pens write?10have something/be written all over your face to show very clearly what you are feeling or thinking: He had guilt written all over his face. I know you’re lying, Tyrell – it’s written all over your face.11have something written all over it to show a particular quality or fact very clearly: This awful film has ‘career-killer’ written all over it for the actors involved.12nothing to write home about informal not particularly good or special: The hotel was good, but the food was nothing to write home about.13somebody wrote the book on something spoken used to say that someone knows a lot about a subject or is very good at an activity: Motorola wrote the book on quality control.14that’s all she wrote American English spoken used to mean that you cannot stop what happens next in a situation, especially when it is badTHESAURUSwrite to use a pen or pencil to make words, letters etc: · Have you written a shopping list?· The children are learning to read and write.write something down to write something on paper, in order to remember it or make a record: · He wrote down everything she said.put to write something in a particular place, or to write particular words: · I’ve put the dates of the meetings in my diary.· At the end of the email she put ‘PS I love you’.put something in writing to write something that you have agreed or promised, so that there is an official record: · They said they would pay me 50%, but they haven’t actually put it in writing.make a note of something to write information that you might need later: · I’ll just make a note of your address.· Make a note in your diary.take notes to write things while someone is speaking or while something is happening, so that you can use them later: · His lawyer was with him taking notes.scrawl /skrɔːl $ skrɒːl/ to write something carelessly and untidily, especially in big letters – often used to show disapproval: · Someone had scrawled graffiti on the school wall.· He’d scrawled a few unhelpful comments at the bottom of my work.fill something in/out to write information on a form or other official document: · Please fill in the application form in black ink.· Would you mind filling out a questionnaire?sign to write your name at the end of a letter, document etc: · Read the contract carefully, and then sign it.· Don’t forget to sign your name.to write something quicklyjot something down to write something very quickly: · Start your essay by jotting down a few ideas.· He checked the meter and jotted something down.scribble to write something quickly and in an untidy way: · Andy scribbled a quick note and handed it to the chairman.· I’ve scribbled something here but I can’t read it now.to write something on a computerenter to make words or numbers appear on a computer screen by pressing the keys: · You have to enter your password twice.· The patients medical records are entered into a database.key something in/type something in to write or record information on a computer, especially something you are copying: · I’ve keyed in my credit card details.· To visit our website, just type in our address.write away for something phrasal verb to write a letter to a company or organization asking them to send you goods or information: I’ve written away for their free catalog.write back phrasal verb to reply to a letter that someone sent you, by writing a letter to them: I sent them a card once, but they never wrote back.write back to I wrote back to them immediately, thanking them for their kind invitation.write something ↔ down phrasal verb1to write something on a piece of paper: This is the address. Do you want to write it down?2to officially say that a debt no longer has to be paid, or officially accept that you cannot get back money you have spent or lost SYN write offwrite in phrasal verb1to write a letter to an organization to give an opinion, ask for information etc: If you would like a copy of our fact sheet, please write in, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.write in to And so I wrote in to Radio Brighton.2write something ↔ in to write a piece of information in the space provided for it on a form or document: Provide some space for students to write in their hobbies.3write somebody ↔ in American English to add someone’s name to the official list on your voting form, to show that you want to vote for them: The campaign to write in Johnson for governor failed. → write-inwrite something into something phrasal verb to add or include something in a contract, agreement etc: It was written into his contract that he had to make two records a year.write off phrasal verb1to write a letter to a company or organization asking them to send you goods or information SYN send off, write awaywrite off for Are you going to write off for that free poster?2write somebody/something ↔ off to decide that someone or something is useless, unimportant, or a failure SYN dismisswrite off as After six months of work, we eventually wrote the project off as a non-starter. → write-off3write something ↔ off to officially say that a debt no longer has to be paid, or officially accept that you cannot get back money you have spent or lost: The United States agreed to write off debts worth billions of dollars. The Inland Revenue wrote off £900 million in unpaid taxes.4write something ↔ off to make an official record of the amount of money that you have spent on things relating to your business, in order to reduce the amount of tax that you have to paywrite off against The costs of setting up a business can be written off against tax.5write something ↔ off British English to damage a vehicle so badly that it can never be used again: At thirteen he stole a car and wrote it off. → write-offwrite somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1to write something on paper, especially in a neat and clear way, including all the necessary details: The children were asked to choose their favourite poem and write it out in their best handwriting.2to write information on a cheque or a form: She calmly wrote out a check for $500 and handed it to Will.3to remove a character from a regular radio or television programme, by making him or her leave or die in the storywrite out of It was revealed last week that Alma is being written out of the series.write something ↔ up phrasal verb1to write a report, article etc using notes that you made earlier: I have to write up my report before the meeting.2to write something on a wall, board etc where people can see it: The teacher repeated the word, and then wrote it up on the blackboard.3 be written up if something is written up in a newspaper, magazine etc, someone describes what it is like and gives their opinion of it: We’re going to a Spanish restaurant that was written up in Time Out’s good food guide. → write-up
WORD ORIGINwrite
Origin:
Old English writan ‘to scratch, draw, write’VERB TABLE
write
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | write |
| he, she, it | writes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | wrote |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have written |
| he, she, it | has written | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had written |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will write |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have written |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am writing |
| he, she, it | is writing | |
| you, we, they | are writing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was writing |
| you, we, they | were writing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been writing |
| he, she, it | has been writing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been writing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be writing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been writing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A lot of listeners wrote in and complained about the programme.
- an opera written by Verdi
- Anna enjoys writing, and she's quite good at it.
- At the bottom he wrote: "with sincere love from your oldest friend".
- By third grade they can all read and write pretty well.
- Do you want me to write that down for you?
- Hang on, let me just get something to write on.
- He wrote several scholarly articles on ancient Chinese texts.
- He wrote to his father, asking for more money.
- Helga wrote her comments neatly in pencil.
- I wrote down all the things we have to do today.
- I wrote the next song for my wife.
- I can't come out tonight. I have an essay to write.
- I don't have any cash - could I write you a check?
- I just wrote him saying how much I missed him being around.
- I learned to write when I was in first grade.
- I sit at the piano when I write.
- I try to write a cheerful letter to her at least once a week.
- I wasn't happy, so I wrote a nasty letter asking for my money back.
- It's a fascinating article, and very well written.
- Writing, now, in the university, writing to try out new ideas, writing to redefine himself.
- A: Well, in the early years I was writing advertising, medical advertising.
- For works written at a time when Beethoven was still in his middle period, the lyricism in the works is extraordinary.
- I've got to write a story on this.
- McNulty wrote a song for Tom and Darlow wrote one for Grace.
- Scene: On the airplane home, you wrote a short report discussing the conference you just attended.
- Sportswriters are not allowed to write about death.
- Today, everything is wonderful, Bjaaland wrote in his diary.
THESAURUS
to use a pen or pencil to make words, letters etc: · Have you written a shopping list?· The children are learning to read and write.
to write something on paper, in order to remember it or make a record: · He wrote down everything she said.
to write something in a particular place, or to write particular words: · I’ve put the dates of the meetings in my diary.· At the end of the email she put ‘PS I love you’.
to write something that you have agreed or promised, so that there is an official record: · They said they would pay me 50%, but they haven’t actually put it in writing.
to write information that you might need later: · I’ll just make a note of your address.· Make a note in your diary.
to write things while someone is speaking or while something is happening, so that you can use them later: · His lawyer was with him taking notes.
to write something carelessly and untidily, especially in big letters – often used to show disapproval: · Someone had scrawled graffiti on the school wall.· He’d scrawled a few unhelpful comments at the bottom of my work.
to write information on a form or other official document: · Please fill in the application form in black ink.· Would you mind filling out a questionnaire?
to write your name at the end of a letter, document etc: · Read the contract carefully, and then sign it.· Don’t forget to sign your name.
to write something quickly to write something very quickly: · Start your essay by jotting down a few ideas.· He checked the meter and jotted something down.
to write something quickly and in an untidy way: · Andy scribbled a quick note and handed it to the chairman.· I’ve scribbled something here but I can’t read it now.
to write something on a computer to make words or numbers appear on a computer screen by pressing the keys: · You have to enter your password twice.· The patients medical records are entered into a database.
to write or record information on a computer, especially something you are copying: · I’ve keyed in my credit card details.· To visit our website, just type in our address.
Longman Language Activatorto write with a pen, pencil, etc to write words or numbers: · By third grade they can all read and write pretty well.· At the bottom he wrote: "with sincere love from your oldest friend".· Over 15 percent of adults have never learned to write.· Helga wrote her comments neatly in pencil .write on/in/at etc: · She quickly wrote the license plate number on her hand.· Hang on, let me just get something to write on.· Write your name at the top of the page.write down something: · I wrote down all the things we have to do today.write something down: · Do you want me to write that down for you?
especially spoken to write something: · I wrote to Marian, but I didn't put anything about Bill being arrested.put something in/on/at etc: · Put your name at the top of each answer sheet.· Just put 'with love from Jason' on the card.
to write down short pieces of information about something, especially in order to remind yourself about what someone said or what was happening: · Did you take any notes at the lecture?· I read the first three chapters and took some notes.
to write down information as soon as you get it, so that you will be able to use it later: · OK, let me make a note of that before I forget it.· Did you make a note of the train times?note down something: · Taking out a pen, she noted down the phone number.note something down: · Colin noted everything down in a little black book.
to write down what someone says, at the same time as they are saying it: take down something/get down something: · A group of reporters was following the Senator, trying to get down every word he said.· Could I just take down your name and address?take something down/get something down: · Do you want me to take all this down?· Before he left, Mark got most of what she'd said down on paper.
to give someone a written agreement, promise, offer etc in order to show them that you are serious about it: · Following an informal discussion, Chris decided to put her proposals in writing.· A deal was made, but apparently nothing was ever put in writing.
to write something using separate letters, in order to make your writing clearer: · Please print your name in block capitals.
the way someone writes with a pen, pencil etc: · I can barely read your writing.· The children spent hours practising their handwriting.
careless and untidy writing that is difficult to read: · What does it say? I can't read your scrawl!
to write something quickly or carelessly to quickly write down ideas, notes, or facts: jot down something: · Let me jot down the name of that restaurant.jot something down: · If anyone has any suggestions, jot them down on a piece of paper and give them to me.
to write something quickly and untidily: · Andrew scribbled a quick note and handed it to the chairman.scribble something down: · Sorry, I scribbled her phone number down, and now I can't read my own writing!scribble down something: · We'll all scribble down some suggestions, and then compare them.
to write something carelessly and untidily: · Someone had scrawled a strange symbol on the wall above the bed.· Three students were excluded for scrawling graffiti on a school wall.
to write a letter, note, story etc quickly and without thinking carefully about it: dash off something: · He was furious when he saw the article, and dashed off a letter to the editor immediately.dash something off: · The publishers wanted a summary that afternoon, so I dashed it off in an hour or so.
to write something on a computer, typewriter etc to write something using a computer: · Most of our students write their essays on screen.· While I was writing, the computer went down and I lost all my work.
to write with a computer or a typewriter: · I'm afraid I don't type very fast.· Could you type those letters for me?type something out/up (=to type something that has been written on paper): · We'll have someone type it out and put it in alphabetical order.· I asked Michelle to type up my assignment so I could mail it in today.type in something (=type something in a blank space, for example on a form): · Bring up the customer database, and type in the amount on the invoice.
especially British to write something on a computer, especially something that you are copying: key in something: · I keyed in my password, but the file still won't open.key something in: · Find out the name of the file, key it in, and it will appear on the screen
to make words or numbers appear on a computer screen by pressing the keys: · Enter the filename and click 'OK'.· She entered Jim's postcode, and watched as a street map appeared on the screen.enter something in/into: · The patients' medical records are entered into a database.
to produce copies of a book, letter, newspaper etc using a printing machine: · Most of our books are printed abroad.· This book was printed on recycled paper.· Where did you get your wedding invitations printed?
to produce a copy of something you have written on a computer using a special machine connected to it: · My printer prints out at 8 pages per minute.· She printed three copies of the letter.
to write a letter or message to write someone a letter: · Sorry, I haven't had time to write.· Keith hasn't written for a while.write a letter/postcard etc to somebody: · I try to write a cheerful letter to her at least once a week.· We wrote about 20 postcards while we were in Greece.· I wasn't happy, so I wrote a nasty letter asking for my money back.write to: · He wrote to his father, asking for more money.write somebody American (=write a letter to someone): · I just wrote him saying how much I missed him being around.write back (=write a letter to someone after they have written one to you): · Why didn't you write back?write in (=to write and send a letter to an organization): · A lot of listeners wrote in and complained about the programme.
to write a letter and send it in order to buy something, take part in a competition, have something sent to you etc: write off for something: · Write off today for your free Batman poster!write off to somebody: · I wrote off to Friends of the Earth and they sent me some leaflets.
also email to send someone a message using the Internet: · Please e-mail your CV to the address below.e-mail somebody: · So, if you e-mail someone in California, you only pay local phone rates.e-mail somebody with something: · She e-mailed me with her new address, but I deleted it by mistake.
spoken informal to send someone a letter: · Why don't you give me a call or drop me a line sometime?· What do you think? Drop me a line at the Washington Post Weekend section and share your thoughts.
to write to someone, or phone them, especially someone you have not seen or written to for a long time: · I'd love to get in touch with Monique again. Do you have her new address?· We help adopted children who want to get in touch with their natural parents.
to write to someone that you do not know, or phone them, especially in order to ask for help or information: · Elsa contacted several companies to ask if they could offer her part-time work.· If the problem continues, try contacting a software expert.
to continue to write to someone or phone them, when you no longer work with them or live near them: · I met Pia in Sweden and we've stayed in touch ever since.keep/stay in touch with: · Do you keep in touch with any of your friends from school?
formal to write letters to someone and receive letters from them, especially regularly: · They started to correspond two years ago. correspond with: · I'm a 21-year old Kenyan student who wishes to correspond with students from Britain or the US.
to write a story, book, newspaper article etc to write a book, story, newspaper article etc: · I can't come out tonight. I have an essay to write.· Who wrote 'Madame Bovary'?· Anna enjoys writing, and she's quite good at it.write about/on: · She writes very amusingly about her childhood in Moscow.· He wrote several scholarly articles on ancient Chinese texts.well/badly written: · It's a fascinating article, and very well written.
to make a list, or a document, book etc that contains lists of information, for example a dictionary: · They are compiling a dictionary of new words.· The book was compiled by a panel of experts, working in conjunction with the publisher.
formal to write a poem, letter, or song, thinking very carefully about what to say and how to say it: · These love poems are believed to have been composed by a poet at the court of King Henry II.· Tom tried to compose a letter, but he couldn't concentrate.
someone who writes books, articles, stories etc someone whose job is to write books, stories etc: · When I was young, I wanted to be a writer.· I enjoy reading American writers.· a political writer for the New York Times· He's a good speech writer (=someone who writes speeches for other people), and much in demand among politicians.writer of: · a writer of romantic novels
someone who writes books, or who wrote a particular book: · Dickens is one of my favourite authors.· The author recalls scenes from her childhood. author of: · The author of 'Surfing on the Internet', JC Hertz, will be on tonight's show. co-author (=someone who writes a book with someone else): · Phil Duncan, co-author of 'Politics in America'
also reporter American someone whose job is to write articles for newspapers or magazines: · She works as a journalist on the Sunday Times.financial/sports etc journalist: · After he retired from football, he became a sports reporter for the Gazette.· Lee is one of the highest-paid financial journalists in the country.
to write the letters of a word to write a word using the correct letters in the correct order: · In American English, 'organize' is always spelled with a 'z'.· How do you spell your surname?· I've never been able to spell very well in English.spell something out (=to say each letter of a word in the right order): · And your last name is Aitchson? Could you spell that out for me please?
the way a word is spelled, or someone's ability to spell words correctly: · British and American spellings· Your spelling is atrocious!· This essay is full of spelling mistakes.
to write your name to write your name at the end of a letter, document etc, in order to prove who you are or show that you wrote it: · Sign here please.· Did the doctor ask you to sign a consent form Mrs Harris?· You forgot to sign the credit card slip.sign your name: · Where do you want me to sign my name?sign for something (=to show that you have received it): · Could you sign for this package, please?
to write the first letter of each of your names on something such as a document to show that you agree to it, have read it etc: · The memo had been initialled by the President.· If you alter something you have written on a cheque, you must initial the change.
to write your signature on an official document, especially one that has already been signed by someone else, in order to approve it: · You have to get your visa countersigned by someone at the embassy.
your name written by you, for example on a document or at the end of a letter, in order to prove who you are or show that you wrote it: · Who's it from? I can't read the signature.· Put your signature here, then print your name underneath.· You have to get the signature of the child's parent or guardian.signature on: · I just need your signature again on this last sheet here.
the name of a famous person, written by them on a photograph, in a book etc for someone to keep: · She has the autograph of every player in the team.sign autographs (=to sign your name for people when they ask): · He refused to sign autographs at a charity event last year.
to write information on an official document to write information or answer questions on an official document, for example giving your name, address, and age: · Passengers must fill in a boarding card before boarding the plane.· I must have filled out the order form incorrectly.fill something in/fill something out: · You just fill it out, then send it in to the passport office.
to write information, such as your name, the date etc on something such as a cheque or a form: write (out) something: · I'll write out a cheque for $500 to cover expenses.write somebody (out) something: · Why don't you get the doctor to write you a prescription for some painkillers?write something out: · Write the information out here on this form, and I'll order the books for you.
to write the necessary details on an official document such as a cheque or ticket, including the name of the person or organization it should go to: make out something: · He made out a cheque for $100.make something out (for somebody): · Would you like me to make out a receipt for you?· He's just making the booking form out.make out a cheque to somebody (=write on a cheque the name of the person you are paying it to): · Who should I make the cheque out to?· If you want to pay by check, make it out to GK Fisher.
to write something that you intend to improve or finish later to write a letter, speech, official document etc with the intention of changing and improving it before you use it: · She's busy drafting her speech for next week's conference.· The prisoners sat down together to draft a letter to the governor.
a rough copy of a document is the first one you write which has all the main ideas but does not have all the details and is not finished: rough copy/draft: · This is only a rough copy. I'm going to write it out again.· It's just a rough draft, but I'd like you to read it and tell me what you think.
to write something again to write something again in a better or more complete way: write something out: · First I think up the basic plot, then I write the story out in more detail.· Find out what is wrong with the example sentences, then write them out correctly.write out something: · I've written out what everyone owes for the phone bill - it's over there.
to write something again using different words, or a different style, in order to make it better or more acceptable: · Perhaps you ought to rewrite the first paragraph to make it a little clearer.· The script was rewritten to give it a happier ending.
to write out notes in complete form, making them into full sentences so that they can be read easily later: write up something: · I must write up my history notes tonight.· I think I'm probably ready to start writing up the first part of the study.write something up: · We're trying to get all the results organized, so we can write them up.
to write a song/music to write music or songs: · Lennon and McCartney wrote over 100 songs.· Who wrote the film soundtrack for 'The Bodyguard'?
to write a piece of music, especially serious music: · Mozart composed his first symphony when he was still a child.· The music was composed and performed by Keith Jarrett.
someone who writes music, especially serious music: · My favourite composer is Beethoven.· the composer Philip Glass
someone who writes songs, especially modern, popular songs: · songwriter Bernie Taupinsinger-songwriter (=someone who writes and performs their own songs): · Kaylie is a very talented singer-songwriter.
something that has been written or printed · There's some writing on the back of this photo, but I can't make out what it says.in writing · All bids must be submitted in writing to the above address.piece of writing · Below each picture was a short piece of writing in Arabic script.
writing, especially a small amount of writing: the words: · The words were very faint but I could make out the name 'Alex'.· She scrawled the words 'I love you' on my desk.
the written part of a book, newspaper etc, not including notes, pictures etc: · The front page had no text, just a photograph of the Princess and a huge headline.· You can cut and paste whole blocks of text very easily on screen.
a copy of a book which is written by hand or typed, often before it is printed: · The finished manuscript was sent to the publisher on 3 January.· We were shown some of the ancient manuscripts and rare books that are kept in the British Library.
a piece of writing written on, or cut into, the surface of a stone, coin etc: · We read the inscriptions on the graves, and wondered what each of those lives had been like.· It was an engraved silver plate bearing the inscription 'Made for His Majesty George III June 1737'.
rude, humorous, or political writing on the walls of buildings, trains etc: · The corridors are very dirty, and the walls are covered with graffiti.
a piece of writing. A paper document is usually an official or legal one. A document that you produce on a computer is something you type into a particular file: · Several secret documents went missing from the government's Information department.· Your birth certificate is an important document, which should be kept safe at all times.· Open a new document (=on a computer) and name it "resume".· You can attach any documents to an email and send them to friends or colleagues.
written not spoken · Some expressions are more common in spoken English than in written English.· She was illiterate, and could not understand the written details on the insurance form. · Don't sign any written agreement until you have read every word of the contract.
if you get or give information in writing , it is written down, not spoken, so you can prove later what was actually said: · Please confirm in writing the date you intend to leave.· I don't have anything in writing, but they said they expected me to start work Monday.put something in writing: · You should have asked them to put what they agreed in writing.
if you put ideas or suggestions on paper , you write them down so that you can remember them or organize them more clearly: · If you have any suggestions for improving the course, put them on paper and we'll discuss them.· Felton had made the same allegations on paper, and had sent a copy to the FBI.
written by hand: · Please attach a covering letter (typed, not handwritten).· The scene of the accident was surrounded by flowers, many with handwritten cards expressing sympathy.
to answer a letter, invitation, e-mail etc to write a letter to someone who has written to you, or to someone who has put an advertisement in a newspaper: · I wrote to Franca three weeks ago but she hasn't replied yet.reply to: · Becky hasn't replied to our invitation, so I assume she isn't coming.
if you answer a letter or advertisement, you write a letter to the person who has written it: · I got the job by answering an advertisement in the paper.· Miss Millar hired a secretary to answer her mail while she was on vacation.· Think carefully before answering that memo.
to write a letter to someone who has written a letter to you: · Sara wrote asking if she could help, so I wrote back and said yes.write back to: · Josh, have you written back to Grandma yet?write somebody back American: · She didn't really expect him to write her back.
formal to write a letter telling someone that you have received a letter, parcel etc that they have sent you: · I have just sent off a letter acknowledging their message.acknowledge receipt of something (=officially acknowledge that you have received something): · Please acknowledge receipt of this document by signing and returning the enclosed form.
written please answer this invitation - used at the end of formal invitations when asking someone to say if they can definitely come to a wedding, formal dinner etc: · Dr Fischer requests your company at a dinner to celebrate his retirement at the Dorchester Hotel on November 30th at 10 pm. RSVP.
if you say or do something in response to what someone has written, you say or do it as a way of answering their question, request, advertisement etc: · She said she'd come to the office in response to an ad she'd seen in the paper.· In answer to recent criticism the President has issued a statement explaining his policies.
to describe someone or something to talk or write about a person, place, event etc, saying what they are like and giving details about them: · Could you try and describe the man you saw?· In her book, she describes her journey across the Sahara.describe somebody/something as: · Police described the attack as particularly violent.describe somebody/something to somebody: · I tried to describe the feeling to my doctor, but she didn't understand.describe how/what: · It's difficult to describe how I felt.
to describe someone or something, especially by giving details about what they look like: · King gave a detailed description of a dark-haired muscular man to police.· The brochure gives a general description of the island and some of the things you can do there.
to describe something that you have seen or experienced by talking to people about it: · Grandma always talks about the way they used to live on the farm.· You should talk about your problems with someone - maybe they can help you.
to describe a person, place, event, situation etc by writing about it: · Have the children write about what they did last summer.· Purcell wrote about his son's illness for a popular magazine.
spoken use this when you are asking someone to describe someone or something to you or when you are describing someone or something to them: · "I've just met Anna's new boyfriend." "What's he like?"· I'll try and explain to you what being in prison was like.
to describe something that happened, giving only the facts and not adding your own feelings or opinions: · Please give a brief account of your previous work experience.· The second witness gave a similar account of what happened.
written to describe an event, situation etc, especially as though it was a story, in order to make it sound more exciting or impressive: · Many of the prisoners have told of the terrible conditions they were kept in and how they were beaten.tell somebody of: · In the evenings Morris would tell us of his youth spent in Europe.
to completely destroy a vehicle to damage a car, boat etc very badly in an accident so that it cannot be used again: · They had stolen a car and wrecked it on the freeway.· Glen drove right into a tree and wrecked his car.
British /total American to damage a vehicle, especially a car, so badly in an accident that it cannot be repaired or used again: · I totaled my car in a blizzard once, and I won't drive in the snow anymore.write off something/write something off: · She wrote her mother's car off the first time she drove it.
to write down information: write something down · If I don't write his phone number down now, I'll forget it.write down something · Make a chart and write down the results of the experiment.· He wrote down all the prices in a little notebook.
to write down information or store it on a computer, so that it can be looked at later, especially official information about numbers or amounts: · Only 13 cases of this disease have ever been recorded.· The meteorological office recorded the lowest rainfall in 10 years.
to write music to write a song or a piece of music: · I wrote the next song for my wife.· an opera written by Verdi· I sit at the piano when I write.
to write a piece of music, especially classical music: · Glass composed the music for Cocteau's movie.· a song composed by Schubert· The children will now play some pieces that they composed themselves.· Dario composes for a living.
to write music so that the words of a play, poem etc can be sung: · The Greek tragedy "Elektra" was set to music by Richard Strauss.· She sat at the piano for hours, putting one of her poems to music.
to agree that money that someone owes does not have to be paid to officially say that a company or country no longer has to pay a debt, especially because they will probably never be able to pay it: write off something: · European governments were persuaded to write off the republic's largest debts.· A number of the company's debts were written off even before they went bankrupt.write something off: · We'll never see that money again so we might as well write it off.
WORD SETSaccess, verbaccess point, nounaccess time, nounaccounting system, accumulator, nounadd-on, nounADSL, nounaffective computing, nounAI, nounALGOL, nounalias, nounANSI, anti-spam, adjectiveanti-virus, adjectiveanti-virus software, nounAPL, nounapp, nounApple, Apple Macintosh, applet, nounapplication, nounapplication software, nounarcade game, nounarchitecture, nounarchive, nounarchive, verbarray, nounartificial intelligence, nounASCII, nounASIC, nounASP, nounassembly language, nounasynchronous, adjectiveAT&T, attachment, nounaudit trail, nounautomate, verbautomated, adjectiveautomation, nounavatar, nounB2B exchange, nounB2C, adjectiveB2E, adjectiveBabbage, Charles, backslash, nounbackspace, nounbackup, nounback-up copy, bandwidth, nounbar code, nounBASIC, nounbatch, nounbatch processing, nounbaud rate, nounBerners-Lee, Tim, bespoke, adjectivebeta test, nounBig Blue, bioinformatics, nounbiometric, adjectivebit, nounbitmap, nounBlackBerry, nounbloatware, nounblog, nounBluetooth, nounBMP, nounbond certificate, book entry, bookmark, nounbookmark, verbbook of final entry, nounbook of first entry, nounBoolean, adjectiveboot, verbbootable, adjectivebootstrapping, nounbot, nounbotnet, nounbps, brain dump, nounbroadband, nounbrown goods, nounbrowse, verbbrowser, nounbubble jet printer, nounbuddy list, nounbuffer, nounbuffer, verbbug, nounbulletin board, nounbundle, nounbundle, verbburn, verbbus, nounbusiness continuity services, nounbusiness continuity services, button, nounbyte, nounCabinet Office Briefing Rooms, cable modem, nouncache, nouncache, verbCAD, nounCAD/CAM, nounCAL, nounCalifornia, nounCALL, nounCAM, nounCambridge, Capita, caps lock, nouncapture, verbcapture, nouncard, nouncathode ray tube, nounCAT scan, nounCBT, nounCD-R, nounCD-ROM, nounCD-ROM drive, CDRW, nounCD-RW, nouncentral processing unit, nouncentral processor, nounCGI, nounCHAPS, character, nounchat room, nouncheat, nouncheckbox, nounchip, nounchip card, CIM, CIO, clerical assistant, click, verbclickable, adjectiveclient, nounclient machine, client-server, adjectiveclient/server architecture, clip art, nounclipboard, nouncloaking, nounclock cycle, nounclock speed, nounclone, nouncluster, nounCOBOL, nouncode, nouncoder, nouncom, Comdex, nouncommand, nouncomm port, comms, nouncompact disc, nounCompaq, compatibility, nouncompatible, adjectivecompatible, nouncompile, verbcompiler, nouncompress, verbcomputer, nouncomputer (industry) analyst, computer-aided, adjectivecomputer-aided design, nouncomputer-aided manufacture, computer-aided manufacturing, nouncomputer-assisted, adjectivecomputerate, adjectivecomputer-based training, computer-generated, adjectivecomputer-integrated manufacture, computerize, verbcomputer-literate, adjectivecomputer modelling, nouncomputer science, nouncomputer system, computer virus, nouncomputing, nounconcordance, nounconfiguration, nounconfigure, verbconnect, verbconnectivity, nounconsole, nouncontrol, nouncontrol key, nouncookie, nouncoordinate, nounCorel, corrupt, verbcounter, nouncourseware, nounCPU, nouncrack, verbcrack, nouncracker, nouncrash, verbcrash, nounCroft, Lara, cross-platform, adjectivecross-posting, nounCtrl, nouncursor, nouncut, verbcutover, nouncyber-, prefixcybercrime, nouncybernetics, nouncyberpunk, nouncybersickness, nouncyberspace, nouncyberterrorist, nouncyberwidow, noundata, noundata bank, noundatabase, noundatabase management, database management system, data capture, noundata centre, data dictionary, noundata encryption standard, noundata file, data interchange format file, data mining, noundata processing, noundata protection, Data Protection Act, the, Dateline, daytrader, nounday trading, nounDBMS, debug, verbdecision support system, decode, verbdecompress, verbdecrypt, verbdefault, noundefragment, verbDel, noundelete, verbdeletion, noundeliverable, noundematerialize, verbdemo, verbdemonstration version, denial of service attack, noundeselect, verbdesktop, noundesktop computer, noundesktop publishing, noundestination site, dialogue box, noundial-up, adjectivedigerati, noundigicam, noundigital nervous system, digital rights management, digital wallet, nounDilbert, direct access, noundirectory, noundisaster recovery, noundisc, noundisinfect, verbdisk, noundisk drive, noundiskette, noundisk operating system, display, noundisplay, verbdistributed processing, Dixons, dock, noundock, verbdocking station, noundocument, noundocument sharing, noundongle, nounDOS, noundot-matrix printer, noundouble click, verbdouble-click, verbdouble density, adjectivedown, adverbdownload, verbdownload, noundownloadable, adjectivedowntime, noundown time, downwardly compatible, adjectiveDP, noundrag, verbdrive, noun-driven, suffixdriver, noundropdown, noundrop down, noundrop-down menu, nounDTP, noundumb terminal, dump, verbdump, nounDVD, nounDVD-ROM, nounEasdaq, noune-book, noune-business, nounECN, noune-commerce, nouneditor, nounedutainment, noune-fatigue, nounE-FIT, nounEFTPOS, nounelectronic, adjectiveelectronic bill of lading, electronic cottage, nounelectronic data interchange, nounelectronic funds transfer, nounelectronic invoice, electronic mail, nounelectronic media, electronic publishing, nounelectronics, nounelectrosmog, nounEllison, Larry, email, nounemail account, embed, verbencrypt, verbend-to-end, adjectiveenter, verbenterprise application integration, nounentry, nounEPROM, noune-publishing, nounequipment leasing, erase, verbErnie, error, nounerror message, nounescape key, Ethernet, noune-ticket, nounE-ticket, nounexecutable, nounexecute, verbexecution, nounexit, verbexpansion card, nounexpansion slot, nounexpert system, nounexport, verbextension, nounextranet, nouneye scan, nounF2F, adjectivefabricator, nounfactory preset, nounfatware, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfield, nounfifth generation computer, file, nounfile manager, nounfilename, nounfile sharing, nounfile transfer, filing system, filter, nounfirewall, nounfirmware, nounfirst generation, nounfirst in, first out, nounfirst-person shooter, nounfive nines, nounfixed wireless, nounflash, verbflash, nounflash drive, nounflash memory, nounflatscreen, adjectiveflat screen, flip chip, nounfloor broker, floppy disk, nounfly-by-wire, nounfolder, nounfont, nounfooter, nounfootprint, nounforklift upgrade, nounformat, verbFortran, nounforum, noun404, adjectivefreeware, nounftp, nounfunction, nounfunctionality, nounfunction key, nounfungible, adjectivefuzzy logic, nounGame Boy, gameplay, noungamer, noungaming, noungarbage in, garbage out, Gates, Bill, gateway, nounghost, nounGIF, noungigabit, noungigabyte, nounGIGO, GIS, nounGlitter, Gary, global, adjectiveGLOBEX, nounGMS, nounGoogle, gopher, noungraphical, adjectivegraphical user interface, noungraphics, noungraphics card, noungraphic software, grid computing, noungroupware, nounGUI, nounhack, verbhack, nounhacker, nounhacktivist, nounhandshake, nounhard copy, nounhard disk, nounhard drive, nounhardware, nounhard-wired, adjectiveHawk, Tony, Hawking, Stephen, head, nounheader, nounhelp, nounhelp desk, nounhelp menu, help screen, nounHewlett Packard, hexadecimal, adjectivehigh-definition, adjectivehigh-level, adjectivehigh-level language, highlight, verbhome computer, home office, nounhome shopping, hookup, nounhook-up, nounhost computer, hot key, nounhot link, nounhot spot, nounHTML, nounhttp, hyperlink, nounhypertext, nounIBM, icon, nounICT, nounidentifier, nouniMac, nounimport, verbinbox, nounincremental backup, nounincubator space, industrial design, infect, verbinfected, adjectiveinformation exchange, information retrieval, nouninformation system, information technology, nouninfowar, nouninitialize, verbinkjet printer, nouninput, nouninput, verbinput/output, adjectiveinstall, verbinstaller, nounInstinet, Intel, intelligent terminal, interactive, adjectiveinteractive whiteboard, nouninterface, nouninterface, verbInternational Securities Exchange, nounInternet cafe, nounInternet Service Provider, interpreter, nounintranet, nouninvoke, verbIP address, nouniPod, nouniris scan, nounISDN, nounISP, nounIT, nouniterate, verbiTunes, iTV, nounJava, nounjob, nounjob bank, Jobs, Steve, joystick, nounJPEG, nounK, KB, keno, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkeyboard, verbkeyboarder, nounkeypad, nounkeystroke, nounkeyword, nounkilobyte, nounkit, nounkludge, nounknowledge base, Kraftwerk, LAN, nounlanguage, nounlaptop, nounlaser disk, nounlaser printer, nounlaunch, verbLCD, nounlight industry, nounlight pen, nounline printer, nounlink, verbLinux, nounLISP, nounlisting paper, listserv, nounload, verblocal area network, nounlog file, LOGO, nounloop, nounlow-level, adjectiveMac, nounmachine, nounmachine code, nounmachine language, machine-readable, adjectiveMacintosh, nounmacro, nounmagnetic disk, nounmagnetic media, nounmagnetic tape, nounmail, nounmail, verbmailbomb, nounmailbox, nounmailing list, nounmail merge, nounmainframe, nounmainframe computer, main memory, manual, adjectivemaximize, verbmegabyte, nounmemory, nounmemory address, memory bank, nounmemory card, nounmemory hog, nounMemory Stick, nounmenu, nounmessage, nounmetadata, nounmicro, nounmicrochip, nounmicrocomputer, nounmicroelectronics, nounmicroprocessor, nounMicrosoft, MIDI, nounmigrate, verbmigration, nounMillennium bug, minicomputer, nounminimize, verbmips, mission-critical, adjectiveMIT, mixer, nounmodel, nounmodel, verbmodelling, nounmodem, nounmodule, nounmonitor, nounMoore, Gordon, Moore's Law, nounmorphing, nounmotherboard, nounMotorola, mouse, nounmouse mat, nounmouse miles, nounmouse potato, nounMP3 player, nounMP4 player, nounMPEG, nounMSC, nounMS-DOS, multimedia, adjectivemulti-player gaming, nounmultiple applications, multiplexer, nounmultitasking, nounnagware, nounNasdaq, nounNASDAQ, Naseem, Prince, National Market System, nounNEC, nerd, nounnest, verbNetscape Navigator, network, nounnetwork, verbneural computer, nounneural network, nounneuroinformatics, nounnewbie, nounnew economy, nounNintendo, node, nounnoise, nounnotebook, nounnumber-cruncher, nounnumber crunching, nounobject, nounobject language, object-oriented, adjectiveOCR, nounOfex, nounoffice machinery, offline, adverboff-line, adjectiveonline, adjectiveonline catalogue, online updating, nounon-screen, adjectiveopen, verbOpen Group, the, open outcry, nounopen system, nounoperating system, nounoperation, nounoptical character recognition, nounoptical fibre, nounoption, nounorder, nounorganizing business, OSI, nounoutbox, nounoutput, nounoutput, verbover-the-counter dealing, over-the-counter market, over-the-counter share, over-the-counter stock, over-the-counter trading, overwrite, verbP2P, adjectivepackage, nounpacket, nounpacket-switching, nounpage, nounpage break, nounpalette, nounpalm phone, nounpalmtop, nounpaperless, adjectiveparallel data query, parallel port, parallel processing, nounPASCAL, nounpass-along, adjectivepassword, nounpaste, verbpasting, nounpatch, nounpause, verbPC, nounPC Card, nounPDA, nounPDF, nounPDF file, pen drive, nounPentium, peripheral, adjectiveperipheral, nounpersonal communicator, nounpersonal computer, nounpersonal electronic device, nounpersonal organizer, nounpetaflop, nounphishing, nounping, verbpiracy, nounpirate, verbpixel, nounplasma screen, nounplatform, nounplatform game, nounPlayStation, plotter, nounplug and play, nounplug-and-play, adjectiveplug-in, nounpointer, nounpop-under, nounpop-up, nounport, nounport, verbportable, adjectivepost, verbpost-industrial, adjectivePostScript, nounPowerPoint, nounprint, verbprinter, nounprintout, nounprint-out, nounprint preview, nounprocess, verbprocessing, nounprocessor, nounprogram, nounprogram, verbprogram file, programmable, adjectiveprogrammer, nounprogramme trading, programming, nounprogramming language, PROLOG, nounPROM, nounprompt, verbprompt, nounprotocol, nounPsion, pull down, nounpull-down, adjectivepull-down menu, nounpunched card, nounquantum computer, nounQuarkXPress, queue, nounqwerty, adjectiveRAM, nounrandom access memory, nounread, verbread only memory, read-only memory, nounread-out, nounread-write, adjectivereal-time, adjectivereboot, verbrecall, verbre-chip, verbrecord, nounrecord, verbrefresh, verbreload, verbremaster, verbremote access, nounremote control, nounremote working, nounreseller, nounreset, verbrespawn, verbretinal scanner, nounretrieval, nounretrieve, verbretry, verbreturn, nounright-click, verbrip, verbroad warrior, nounrobot, nounrollover, nounROM, nounRoute 128, nounrouter, nounroutine, nounRSI, nounRTF, nounrun, verbsalami slicing, nounSamsung, save, verbscalability, nounscalable, adjectivescan, verbscanner, nounscramble, verbscreen, nounscreen-based, adjectivescreen dump, nounscreensaver, nounscreen saver, nounscreenshot, nounscroll, verbscroll bar, nounscroll key, SCSI, nounSEAQ, search, nounsearch, verbsearchable, adjectivesearch engine, nounSEATS, nounsecurity rating, SEGA, self-healing, adjectivesend, verbserial port, server, nounserver farm, nounservice bureau, nounservice pack, nounSET, nounset-up, nounSFA, nounSGML, nounshareware, nounshift, nounshift key, nounshoot-'em-up, nounshopping bot, sig file, nounsilicon, nounsilicon chip, nounSilicon Fen, nounSilicon Glen, Silicon Valley, sim, nounSIMM, nounsimulation, nounSinclair, Sir Clive, single sourcing, skin, nounslo-mo, adjectivesmall office/home office, nounsmart, adjectivesmart bomb, nounsneakernet, nounsoft copy, nounsoftware, nounsoftware engineering, SoHo, SOHO, nounSonic the Hedgehog, sort, nounsoundcard, nounsource code, nounspace bar, nounspam, nounspeech recognition, nounspeech recognition software, speech synthesizer, nounspellcheck, nounspellchecker, nounspell-checker, nounspider, nounspider food, nounspim, nounsplit screen, nounspreadsheet, nounspreadsheet software, spyware, nounstandalone, adjectivestand-alone, adjectivestandby time, nounStarr Report, the, nounstarter pack, nounstart-up, nounstorage, nounstorage unit, store, verbstore-and-forward, nounstrategic information system, stream, verbstreaming, nounStreet Fighter, string, nounstylus, nounsubdirectory, nounsubroutine, nounsuite, nounSun Microsystems, sunrise industry, nounsupercomputer, nounsuperserver, nounsupport, verbsupport, nounswitching, nounsynchronous, adjectivesyntax, nounsynthespian, nounsystem, nounsystem administrator, nounsystems analyst, nounsystems programmer, system tray, nountab, verbtab key, nountab stop, nountag, nountag, verbtape, nountape drive, taskbar, nountechie, nountechnical support, nountechno-, prefixtechnocracy, nountechno-geek, nountechnophobe, nountechy, telecentre, nountelecommuter, nountelematics, nounteleprinter, nounteleworker, nountemplate, nounterabyte, nounteraflop, nounterminal, nountestdeck, nountext-to-speech, adjectivethird-generation, adjectivethird-party software, thumbnail, nountickbox, nountick box, nountime out, nountime-sharing, nountitle bar, nountoggle, nountoner, nountoolbar, nountoolbox, nounTOPIC, nountop-level domain, nountop ranking, nounTorvalds, Linus, Toshiba, Tottenham Court Road, touchpad, nountouch screen, nountrackball, nountransaction processing, transputer, nounTrojan horse, nountroubleshooter, nounTTS, Turing, Alan, tutorial, nounundo, verbuninstall, verbunique visitor, nounUnix, noununlisted share, unlisted stock, unrecoverable error, unzip, verbup, adverbupdate, nounupgrade, verbupload, verbupload, nounuptime, nounusability, nounUSB, nounUSB drive, nounuser-friendly, adjectiveuser group, nounuser interface, nounuser name, nounUS Robotics, utility, nounVActor, nounvalid, adjectivevalue-added reseller, vapourware, nounVDT, nounVDU, nounVGA, nounvideocard, nounvideo game, nounvideo snacking, nounviral marketing, nounvirtual, adjectivevirtual corporation, virtually, adverbvirtual memory, nounvirtual office, nounvirtual organization, virtual reality, nounvirus, nounvoice print, nounvoice recognition, wallpaper, nounWAN, nounWAP, noun-ware, suffixwar game, nounWAV, nounwearable, nounWeb 2.0, nounweb browser, nounweb crawler, nounweb design, nounweb development, web-enabled, adjectiveweb hosting, nounweb log, nounweb log file, wide area network, wi-fi, nounWi-Fi, nounwild card, nounwindow, nounWindows, Wintel, wipe, verbWiponet, nounwireless internet, wireless networking, nounWord, Wordperfect, word processor, nounworkspace, nounworkstation, nounWorld Wide Web, the, worm, nounWozniak, Steve, write, verbwrite-protected, adjectiveWYSIWYG, nounXbox, XML, nounY2K, nounYahoo!, zap, verbzip file, nounzombie, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The article is very well written. I wrote her several letters, but she didn’t reply. Kerry could read and write when she was five.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I teach creative writing at Trinity College. In France he could write freely, without fear of arrest. We went outside so that we could talk freely without being overheard. Videos often make good teaching material. We received official notification that Harry was missing. a box of paints and a sketch pad Keep a telephone pad and a pen to hand. some unusual pieces of sculpture Robert wrote a short piece on the earthquake. The play got a really good write-up (=it was praised) in the press.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
The article is very well written. I wrote her several letters, but she didn’t reply. Kerry could read and write when she was five.· He later wrote an account of his experiences during the war.
· There is usually a written agreement between the borrower and the bank.
· Do we write the answers in the exercise book, Sir?
· The police sent a written apology to the family.
· The Times have asked me if I will do an article on the election.
· He’s written several interesting travel books.
· He wrote the first chapter 20 years before the book was published.
· I had to write a cheque for £360 yesterday.
· All the information we received during the war was written in code.
· He writes a column on gardening for the Daily News.
· Greg won the school public-speaking competition.
· A police interview may lead to a written confession.
· If you are under 18, you need your parents’ written consent to get married.
· A written constitution forms the fundamental law of the nation.
· All employees should have a written contract.
I teach creative writing at Trinity College. (=say officially that it does not have to be paid)· The bank finally agreed to write off the debt.
(=that you use for writing letters etc)· Under the window was a small writing desk.
(=write regularly in a diary)· While I was travelling, I kept a diary every day.
· ‘Severe weather’, he wrote in his diary that day.
(=write one)· Always write a rough draft of your essay first.· He drew up a draft of the club’s rules and regulations.
· Jack spent the evening writing emails and surfing the Internet.
· I’ve got a 3,000 word essay to write before Friday.
· There is a written exam at the end of the course.
· For French, there is an oral and a written examination.
(=their feelings can be seen very clearly in their expression)· You’re jealous – it’s written all over your face!
In France he could write freely, without fear of arrest. We went outside so that we could talk freely without being overheard.· I submitted a written inquiry to the local council.
· Each member of the team was issued with written instructions.
· He wrote a letter inviting her to visit.
· Could you make a list of any supplies we need?
Videos often make good teaching material.· He composed the music for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films.
(=write down what your notes say, using full sentences and more detail)· It’s a good idea to write up your notes soon after a lecture.
We received official notification that Harry was missing. a box of paints and a sketch pad Keep a telephone pad and a pen to hand. (=good quality paper for writing letters)· Can you fetch me a piece of writing paper and a pen?
· Doctors need written permission from the patient before they can operate.
some unusual pieces of sculpture Robert wrote a short piece on the earthquake.· So far, he has written three plays.
· I’ve been writing short stories and poems for years.
· I didn't know you wrote poetry.
(also write out a prescription)· I'll write you a prescription for some skin cream.
· They learned how to write their own programs.
· Where written records do survive, they are incomplete.
· Her social worker has written a report on the case.
· Mr Thomas asked me to send him a written report.
· If you wish to take you child on holiday during the school term, you must make a formal written request.
· Their reading skills are poor.
· He designs software for an Atlanta-based company.
· Do they write their own songs?
· One neighbour said in a written statement that she often heard a baby ‘crying for help’.
· The story was written by Lewis Carroll.
· Selection was based on written tests in English and mathematics.
· They wrote many great tunes together in the 80s.
The play got a really good write-up (=it was praised) in the press.· The story you choose should reflect the theme you want to write about.· Red writes about feeling tired before the game, about feeling sick.· Since that, we'd been touring constantly and written about twenty-five songs.· Some students may write about the avoidance of a major depression, others about the decision to focus on high employment.· Parents and step-parents are increasingly writing about step-family life in an attempt both to warn parents and inform practitioners.· Is this the dual consciousness W E. B. DuBois wrote about?· I have seen Shiraz and its roses and nightingales, which Gide wrote about but did not see.· I write about how I have to write about my life to give it some shape, some order.
· Its prime target is an audience of decision makers whose names you can write down on a single sheet of paper.· More interesting are problems where the answers can be written down, and even checked for correctness, in polynomial time.· As they searched, they wrote down in a notebook details of all the things they found.· I bought myself a notebook in which to write down ideas, themes.· It was later written down in two books called the Mishnah and the Talmud.· Anyway, Peter also had me write down some descriptions of the other members of the management committee.· In normal speech, not all letters written down are sounded.· Starting with: what did the doctors write down and not write down; what tests did they do and not do?
· As a result Ferranti had to write off £215million, reissue its annual report and negotiate financial support from its bankers.· Many entrepreneurs expect to write off all their expenses.· This increase did not account for almost £200 million written off through a change in accounting practices.· They could write off all investments in the year they are made rather than spreading them out over a period of years.· Back at the castle, Oyston had already written off the £100,000.· The saxophonist had written off the States much as the States had written off him.· The incidence of bad debt, he concluded, was socially unacceptable and financially disastrous. Write off or write back?· The company said it is taking the $ 20 million charge largely to write off the unit.
· For your copy of the latest gift catalogue, please write to.· It is best to phone the company before you write to find out the name of the person you should write to.· To obtain a copy, write to or phone during working hours, Monday to Friday.· To apply, write to:.· If you have any problems or questions about your pet, write to.· It is very important that you visit and write to or phone your child as regularly as agreed.
NOUN· Nick Dimbleby wrote an article on police Range Rovers.· Samuel wrote letters to both him and the reporter who wrote the article.· I was nervous but determined, and came home to write and rewrite the article a dozen times.· Was he ever sober enough to write the articles he had mentioned the day before?· To win time and independence Cooley wrote books rather than articles.· The author writes these articles as an architect in practice.· Newspapers local, regional and international write admiring articles.
· Additionally, he wrote two substantial books.· What do you think would happen if you wrote a book detailing your snafus?· They have entered your mind and there they add to the charge with which you are writing your book.· Sometimes these parents chose books for their children based on levels written on the book covers.· You knew my husband very well; he wrote a book about waxworks and you helped him with his research.· Rense, who spent about two years writing the book, says she already has begun work on a second novel.· Make like you are prospective clients, looking to rent a secluded property to write a book or something.· Nessim also wrote a book on the issues of life after cancer.
· Additionally, he wrote two substantial books.· He was the man who wrote the books that progressive police departments read to get the answers.· These are for the two people involved in writing the Project Video books.· Resnick has written two books recounting Simpsons alleged mistreatment of his wife, who believed that he eventually would kill her.· But this novel suggests that Rowling still wants to write big books and big cheques.· I will be invited to present some lectures and some people will write better books and give some better lectures.· A pledge not to write any more books would have done nicely.· Q: Do you have any help writing your books?
· He writes a daily showbiz column for them.· On the board she had written two columns of phrases.· Sufficient has been written in your columns about the latter match so I will not repeat the facts.· Herb Caen wrote a column like that.· Among other old boys: Johnny Giles writes a regular football column in the Daily Mail.· He writes a monthly column for Wired and was an original investor.· I'd been writing a monthly column for Options as long as I'd been writing at all.· Barry wrote a column about bad songs from the rock era and somehow managed to milk it into a book.
· Their written language was the most advanced of the pre-Columbian scripts, and their astronomical knowledge beyond compare.· The proposal should be written in direct language.· Being written in different programming languages, there was no literal similarity between the programs.· In some cases, recent spelling reforms have helped to remedy the existing discrepancies between writing and language.· It is written in simple non-technical language.· A weekly publication that analyzes some 1, 700 different stocks, Value Line is written in plain language.· It will also use ObjectStore to recognise code, data and objects written in different programming languages.· Some children enter school after having participated in thousands of conversations about how written language tends to go.
· Difficulties have arisen as to whether letters written to Ministers by M.P.s in the course of their duties are covered by absolute privilege.· If only you could have seen the letter I wrote you about an hour ago!· As a minimum, each issue of the publication would require another letter written for the occasion as information is requested again.· The kind of letter writing in question here has nothing at all to do with word processing.· It was a letter many students were writing, in outrage.· Most of these letters, written by a friend or neighbor of the person seeking help, were only semiliterate themselves.
· Stock, Aitken and Waterman will write the music for the spectacular, which will get under way early in the new decade.· He has taught himself to paint, to write music, play the flute, to write.· For many young people now are confidently writing real music, using the idioms that come most naturally to them.· Haydn wrote symphonies, chamber music, keyboard pieces, operas.· I write my music on four staves, with indications of course.· But he also is in a community symphony, plays in the school marching band, and writes music.· Although he wrote chamber and orchestral music, songs were his true vocation.
· You see, when you win the National, you write your name into history.· People must write her name on the ballot to vote for her.· Because I was afraid, and tired, and ill, I wrote my name on the letter: Mary.· She tore two pages from her ledger and wrote his name on one and hers on the other.· He wrote in the name Hadley on the card.· He was able to write his name, but in all other respects he behaved like an infant.· You should write your name and address on the back of these photographs.· Children who had never heard a bedtime story and could not write their own names were crammed into classrooms by the dozens.
· Before they headed onwards, Boswell wrote a note at their unappetising inn.· But Summerlee was not to be found, and further time was consumed in writing a note for him.· Ruth finished her coffee and rinsed her cup out before writing a note for Steve.· Alvin wrote in a note to himself not long after the premiere of Revelations.· She could have refused to write that note to her parents or walk obediently to the car and climb into the boot.· During a time of meditation in that retreat, he wrote a note which survived.· Then write another note with your name.
· Nigel Tranter writes his novels on small cards while out walking.· Although she has written two novels, the autobiography is her first published work.· In total he has written five novels, all of which have won literary acclaim and awards.· The News is now edited by Pete Hamill, who also writes novels.· In the 1920s and 1930s Nina Boyle wrote a number of novels.· My experience was limited largely to news and news feature writing until recently, when I ventured to write a novel.· And he never wrote a novel.· He became a doctor, and he treated poor people in the daytime, and he wrote grotesque novels all night.
· He was lightly wounded at Detroit and wrote papers on ethnography, as well as collecting specimens wherever his career sent him.· Passengers were offered a map of the route, postcards of places along the way, and writing paper.· All investigators contributed to the writing of the paper.· She wrote a one-page paper on preventative medicine, another on how stuffed animals were made.· At first he had no press but, undaunted, wrote the paper by hand!· In 1967, Lovelock wrote two papers predicting that Mars would be lifeless based on his interpretation of its atmosphere.· Tosh said he didn't like some things that had been written about her in papers.· Jack put the frustrations of the previous year from his mind and took a sheet of writing paper from his pocket.
· Coffin was still pondering on the significance of what he had seen written on the piece of paper from Place's jacket.· He takes his time, writing a bittersweet piece that encourages the ex-soldier to stop blaming himself for what happened.· The marketing department writes the really important pieces.· Anne had once written a piece about prison conditions.· I have no evidence, but I think Grandmother must have been set up to be asked to write that piece.· You said you were going to write a piece on opinion polls and then you wrote a story slandering the Prime Minister.· I never got involved in this writing or in other pieces like it.
· I've written some much better poems and they threw them back.· One of my family, Arkady, wrote a poem about it.· She started to write poems to express her feelings.· But most enthralling was her attraction to two people for whom she wrote her most ardent poems.· The ones proving I wrote his poems for him?· The sight of the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that later became our national anthem.· I stopped writing my own poems.· I studied painting, composed music, did some woodworking, wrote poems....
· Your syllabus may include slots for the development of certain skills such as listening to lectures or writing reports.· In the classroom the groups are at work writing a summary report on the area.· They will be talking to local people, organisations and authorities and writing a report on the route's suitability for upgrading.· Rice thanked Drake and asked him to prepare a written report with recommendations.· Be careful when writing: reports are for others, as an aide-memoire is for ourselves.· Make an abacus and write a report about its usefulness in terms of place value and computation.· You write reports on what the scope of the project should be and the various ways to tackle the project.· Co. wrote in a report to clients today.
· I wrote all the songs and they were awful but that's the way you mature.· I had written four or five songs on tour.· Composer members often only one or two members of the band write songs.· They began writing songs that afternoon.· I only write songs about drugs!· He wrote most of the songs on the album, once waking up at 6 a. m. with inspiration for lyrics.· If a band don't write their own songs, the manager has to find the right songwriters.· From that start Leiber and Stoller went on from 1951 to 1956 to write songs rarely heard by whites.
· But they should be aimed at if you are writing in short story form the equivalent of the crime novel.· I try once more to write a story, but can not find the first sentence.· I would write a story on my new Smith-Corona.· But Hawthorne wrote great stories, you see, and we still read them now, more than a hundred years later.· Before I die, I want to write the true story of my life for you.· I wish I could say that I wrote steadily at the story of my life after that sudden burst of inspiration.
· She was an idiot, coming apart at the seams, and she hadn't written a word.· Suddenly, in writing the words out, I see what she is trying to get us to see.· They haven't written an original word, or vowel, ha ha ha!· Even readers whose knowledge of the written word comes from cereal boxes are familiar with metaphors using battlefields and quicksand.· Today was Saturday and she had not written a word since Thursday morning.· With this approach, very young children do not write words, but are only drilled on alphabet letters and blends.· The Bad ` Un's strategy is to prevent the written word from becoming food for hungry souls.· Without the help of the written word, film and videotape can not portray temporal dimensions with any precision.
VERB· Until he begins to write cheques, i.e. to spend, nothing has happened to the balance sheet.· They began when I started writing seriously in my late twenties.· It was time now to begin to write letters.· Demonstration 1. Begin by writing the term vibration on the board.· He closed his eyes and began writing in his head.· Sabi first began writing to his daughter Deena, who was born the summer before his arrest.· When well on in his 90s, he began writing his memoirs.· Perhaps I need some time to settle in before I can begin to write.
· This afternoon I read what I wrote about G.P. the day before yesterday.· However, he has difficulty in reading and written expression.· Should read or write errors occur, this database can be rebuilt from the image copy in conjunction with one of the log files.· Whok Ianguage means that students learn to read and write by reading and writing, not performing endless drill exercises.· Then it read through 14,000 written comments.· Primo reads aloud the words written underneath.· A model prisoner, he learned to read and write, even publishing a small book of poetry.· We learned the skills but not the strategies of reading and writing.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► have something/be written all over your face► have something written all over it► that’s all she wrote► write something ↔ in► write somebody ↔ in► write somebody/something ↔ off► write something ↔ off► write something ↔ off► write something ↔ off
- Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about.
- A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about.
- Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember?
- Cheryl wrote the book on being irresponsible.
- Hartley wrote the book on self-serving.
- It wrote the book on quality control.
- It got a lot of airplay from John Peel, and was written up extensively by the music press.
- Parliamentary proceedings are written up and published in the daily Hansard.
- Previously Venturous had been a noteworthy arrival to be written up in the local press.
- Results of investigations and the like will need to be written up.
- Several points were discussed; these will be written up more fully in the minutes.
- The incident was written up in the local newspaper.
- The research will be written up as it proceeds, and will be published in 1986.
- Their pecuniary interests were probably greater than their antiquarian ones, and their errors were written up by the historian.
WORD FAMILYnounwriterwritingrewriteverbwriterewriteadjectivewritten ≠ unwritten
1book/article/poem etc a)[intransitive, transitive] to produce a new book, article, poem etc: He wrote some very famous books. Who wrote ‘Harry Potter’? I can’t come with you – I have an essay to write.write about O'Brien often writes about her native Ireland.well/badly/poorly etc written The article is very well written. b)[intransitive] someone who writes earns money by writing books, plays, articles etc: Sean decided he wanted to write, and quit his job.write for Maureen Dowd writes for ‘The New York Times’.2letter [intransitive, transitive] to put words in a letter to someonewrite to I’ve written to my MP, and to the city council.write somebody American English Chris hasn’t written me for a long time. I wrote her several letters, but she didn’t reply.GRAMMAR: Patterns with write• You write to someone: · She writes to me every month.• In American English, you can also write someone: · She writes me every month.• You write someone a letter, note, story etc: · Please write me a letter soon. ✗Don’t say: Please write to me a letter soon.• You write to someone about a subject or an experience: · He wrote to me about his trip to France. ✗Don’t say: He wrote to me his trip to France.• Write is often used in the progressive: · I am writing to tell you something important.3form words [intransitive, transitive] to form letters or numbers with a pen or pencil: Kerry could read and write when she was five.4state something [transitive] to state something in a book, letter, advertisement etc, or on a labelwrite (that) Isabella wrote that she was dying, and asked him to visit her for the last time.be written on something The price is written on the label.5music/song [transitive] to write a piece of music or a song: Mozart wrote the music. The song was originally written by Leonard Cohen.6computer program [transitive] to make a program for a computer to use: He writes software programs for financial institutions.7a computer records something [intransitive, transitive] if a computer writes something, it records it on a disk or in its memorywrite to/onto data that had been written to disk8cheque/document etc (also write out) [transitive] to write information on a cheque, form etc: Wouldn’t it be easier if I just wrote a cheque for the lot? The doctor wrote me a prescription for sleeping pills.9pen [intransitive] if a pen writes, it works properly: Do any of these pens write?10have something/be written all over your face to show very clearly what you are feeling or thinking: He had guilt written all over his face. I know you’re lying, Tyrell – it’s written all over your face.11have something written all over it to show a particular quality or fact very clearly: This awful film has ‘career-killer’ written all over it for the actors involved.12nothing to write home about informal not particularly good or special: The hotel was good, but the food was nothing to write home about.13somebody wrote the book on something spoken used to say that someone knows a lot about a subject or is very good at an activity: Motorola wrote the book on quality control.14that’s all she wrote American English spoken used to mean that you cannot stop what happens next in a situation, especially when it is badTHESAURUSwrite to use a pen or pencil to make words, letters etc: · Have you written a shopping list?· The children are learning to read and write.write something down to write something on paper, in order to remember it or make a record: · He wrote down everything she said.put to write something in a particular place, or to write particular words: · I’ve put the dates of the meetings in my diary.· At the end of the email she put ‘PS I love you’.put something in writing to write something that you have agreed or promised, so that there is an official record: · They said they would pay me 50%, but they haven’t actually put it in writing.make a note of something to write information that you might need later: · I’ll just make a note of your address.· Make a note in your diary.take notes to write things while someone is speaking or while something is happening, so that you can use them later: · His lawyer was with him taking notes.scrawl /skrɔːl $ skrɒːl/ to write something carelessly and untidily, especially in big letters – often used to show disapproval: · Someone had scrawled graffiti on the school wall.· He’d scrawled a few unhelpful comments at the bottom of my work.fill something in/out to write information on a form or other official document: · Please fill in the application form in black ink.· Would you mind filling out a questionnaire?sign to write your name at the end of a letter, document etc: · Read the contract carefully, and then sign it.· Don’t forget to sign your name.to write something quicklyjot something down to write something very quickly: · Start your essay by jotting down a few ideas.· He checked the meter and jotted something down.scribble to write something quickly and in an untidy way: · Andy scribbled a quick note and handed it to the chairman.· I’ve scribbled something here but I can’t read it now.to write something on a computerenter to make words or numbers appear on a computer screen by pressing the keys: · You have to enter your password twice.· The patients medical records are entered into a database.key something in/type something in to write or record information on a computer, especially something you are copying: · I’ve keyed in my credit card details.· To visit our website, just type in our address.write away for something phrasal verb to write a letter to a company or organization asking them to send you goods or information: I’ve written away for their free catalog.write back phrasal verb to reply to a letter that someone sent you, by writing a letter to them: I sent them a card once, but they never wrote back.write back to I wrote back to them immediately, thanking them for their kind invitation.write something ↔ down phrasal verb1to write something on a piece of paper: This is the address. Do you want to write it down?2to officially say that a debt no longer has to be paid, or officially accept that you cannot get back money you have spent or lost SYN write offwrite in phrasal verb1to write a letter to an organization to give an opinion, ask for information etc: If you would like a copy of our fact sheet, please write in, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.write in to And so I wrote in to Radio Brighton.2write something ↔ in to write a piece of information in the space provided for it on a form or document: Provide some space for students to write in their hobbies.3write somebody ↔ in American English to add someone’s name to the official list on your voting form, to show that you want to vote for them: The campaign to write in Johnson for governor failed. → write-inwrite something into something phrasal verb to add or include something in a contract, agreement etc: It was written into his contract that he had to make two records a year.write off phrasal verb1to write a letter to a company or organization asking them to send you goods or information SYN send off, write awaywrite off for Are you going to write off for that free poster?2write somebody/something ↔ off to decide that someone or something is useless, unimportant, or a failure SYN dismisswrite off as After six months of work, we eventually wrote the project off as a non-starter. → write-off3write something ↔ off to officially say that a debt no longer has to be paid, or officially accept that you cannot get back money you have spent or lost: The United States agreed to write off debts worth billions of dollars. The Inland Revenue wrote off £900 million in unpaid taxes.4write something ↔ off to make an official record of the amount of money that you have spent on things relating to your business, in order to reduce the amount of tax that you have to paywrite off against The costs of setting up a business can be written off against tax.5write something ↔ off British English to damage a vehicle so badly that it can never be used again: At thirteen he stole a car and wrote it off. → write-offwrite somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb1to write something on paper, especially in a neat and clear way, including all the necessary details: The children were asked to choose their favourite poem and write it out in their best handwriting.2to write information on a cheque or a form: She calmly wrote out a check for $500 and handed it to Will.3to remove a character from a regular radio or television programme, by making him or her leave or die in the storywrite out of It was revealed last week that Alma is being written out of the series.write something ↔ up phrasal verb1to write a report, article etc using notes that you made earlier: I have to write up my report before the meeting.2to write something on a wall, board etc where people can see it: The teacher repeated the word, and then wrote it up on the blackboard.3 be written up if something is written up in a newspaper, magazine etc, someone describes what it is like and gives their opinion of it: We’re going to a Spanish restaurant that was written up in Time Out’s good food guide. → write-up