Verbs for Writing · Verbs: Manual Action

to make a note of something in a hurried and informal style

"She jots down important notes quickly."

"Let me jot down your phone number so I can call you later to confirm our meeting time."

to record something on a piece of paper by writing

"Write down your phone number."

"Please write down your contact information so I can call you if there are any changes."

to write something on paper, ensuring it is clear and includes all the necessary details

"Write out the full address."

"The lawyer asked the client to write out the complete details of the incident for the official report."

to write something hastily or carelessly in a messy and illegible manner

"He scrawled his name illegibly."

"The student's handwriting was so poor that he could only scrawl his name at the bottom of the assignment."

to write a letter, novel, play, etc.

"She pens a heartfelt letter daily."

"The famous author penned his novel using an old fashioned fountain pen at a small wooden desk."

to create content using a pencil as the writing or drawing instrument

"Pencil your name on the list."

"She penciled a quick reminder on her calendar to call the dentist and schedule an appointment for next week."

to create content using chalk as the writing or drawing instrument

"Chalk the outline on the board."

"The children chalked colorful drawings all over the driveway on a sunny summer afternoon while their mother watched."

to write the words used in a movie, play, etc.

"He scripts the dialogue for movies."

"The talented writer was hired to script the dialogue for the new animated film from a major studio."

to provide a brief description or explanation for an image, video, or piece of content

"Caption your photos before posting online."

"The social media manager captioned the photo with a funny quote that made everyone laugh and share the post."

to mark or engrave a surface with a design or pattern, typically to create a lasting impression or decoration

"The blacksmith inscribes initials on metal."

"The jeweler inscribed the inside of the ring with the couple's names and their wedding date."

to add notes that explain or comment on something, such as a text, document, or image

"Annotate the text with your comments."

"The professor asked the students to annotate the poem with their thoughts and questions in the margins."

to start a written work with a brief statement or introduction, often written by the author or editor, to provide context or explain the purpose

"Preface your speech with a joke."

"The author prefaced the book with a short introduction explaining why he decided to write about this particular topic."

to complete an official form or document by writing information on it

"Fill out this application form."

"Please fill out this application form with your personal details and previous work experience before the interview."

to write thoughts or information on paper

"Set down your ideas now."

"The author decided to set down her initial thoughts and ideas on paper before starting to write the novel."

to make letters, words, or numbers on a surface, usually on a piece of paper, with a pen or pencil

"Write your name on the paper."

"She decided to write a letter to her grandmother instead of sending a text message because handwritten letters feel more personal and meaningful."

to write a literary piece with a lot of consideration

"Compose the letter."

"The poet decided to compose a sonnet to express his deep emotions."

to write something for the first time that needs corrections for the final presentation

"Draft a letter to the editor."

"The lawyer spent the entire weekend to draft a detailed contract that would protect his client's rights in the business deal."

to write information for later use

"Take down my name."

"She asked the waiter to take down her order for the delicious-looking meal."

to write hastily or carelessly without giving attention to legibility or form

"He scribbled a note quickly."

"The young child scribbled colorful lines on the paper with her new crayons very happily."

to quickly write something down

"Dash off a quick note."

"She managed to dash off a brief thank-you note before her guest had to leave for the airport."

to record spoken words, notes, or any information in a written form

"She transcribed the interview recording."

"The secretary had to transcribe the recorded meeting from audio to a written document for the official records."

to write or say the letters that form a word one by one in the right order

"Can you spell your name?"

"Can you please spell your last name for me because I want to write it down correctly."

to write one's name or mark on a document to indicate acceptance, approval, or endorsement of its contents

"Sign the paper now."

"Please sign your name at the bottom of the contract before returning it to us."