Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Write Down': Meaning & Usage

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'write down' means to record something on paper, especially to help remember it. It involves putting words or numbers on paper.

Examples in context

For clarity, she decided to write down all her thoughts after the meeting.
During the interview, he wrote down every question to analyze later.
It's helpful to write down goals if you want to visualize your progress.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'write down' means to record something on paper, especially to help remember it. It involves putting words or numbers on paper.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb 'write' from the particle 'down' with an object.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object, something that is being written down.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	write down	I write down my dreams every morning.
Past Simple	wrote down	She wrote down the recipe instructions.
Present Continuous	writing down	He is writing down his assignments right now.
Present Perfect	have written down	They have written down all their ideas.

💡 When to Use

Taking notes quickly

Use 'write down' to note information quickly, such as during meetings or lectures.

Example: "She needed to write down the professor's points quickly."

Recording memories

Use when you want to preserve personal reflections, memories, or dreams for future reference.

Example: "He likes to write down his travel experiences."

Listing items

When creating a list, be it for shopping or tasks, 'write down' is used to enumerate items.

Example: "He wrote down the grocery list before heading out."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: I write downed the notes yesterday.

✅ Correct: I wrote down the notes yesterday.

💡 Tip: Past tense for 'write' is 'wrote', not 'write downed'.

Wrong object position

❌ Wrong: Write down information please.

✅ Correct: Please write the information down.

💡 Tip: Separate 'write down' correctly when using pronouns.

Missing direct object

❌ Wrong: Please write down.

✅ Correct: Please write down the address.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being written down.

Practice

WRITE DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

For clarity, she decided to write down all her thoughts after the meeting.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

During the interview, he wrote down every question to analyze later.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

It's helpful to write down goals if you want to visualize your progress.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

jot down note down

Antonyms

erase

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To remember the details, she decided to ___ them down immediately."

read

write down

create

ignore

"In the tapestry of life, wisdom resounds when we write down our thoughts and dreams, for written words shape our destiny."

In Context

In April 1865, the Civil War drew to a close. President Abraham Lincoln, burdened by the nation's tumult, would often write down his thoughts in a diary. On the evening of April 14, he sat in his dimly lit study at the White House, reflecting on the fractured nation and the steps towards its healing. He decided to write down a speech for a potential gathering, a message of unity and hope. That night, he was scheduled to attend a play at Ford's Theatre, a moment of respite from his arduous duties. While preparing to leave, he glanced at his diary, the pages where countless words had been written down as private companions to his public responsibilities. As he stepped into the carriage, the diary remained on his desk, a testament to his visions for the United States. Sadly, Lincoln did not return home that night. His untimely assassination left his thoughts, written down and unwritten, to inspire future generations. The entries reflected his commitment to a healed nation, words that, although silent in pages, resonated profoundly through history. Lincoln's practice to write down his reflections served as a window into his mind, enduring beyond his years.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Write Down

What is the origin of write down?

The phrase 'write down' originates from the literal act of writing something down on paper. It dates back to the 16th century when writing was a primary method for documenting thoughts and information.

Can write down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'write down' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In professional environments, it effectively communicates the act of noting important information, while in casual settings, it captures everyday tasks like making lists.

What is the difference between write down and jot down?

While both 'write down' and 'jot down' involve recording information, 'jot down' implies a quicker or more casual note-taking, often used when time is limited. 'Write down' can denote a more deliberate or thorough recording process.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

WRITE DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Write Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega