write down notes
/raɪt daʊn noʊts/
Meaning
This expression means to record important information on paper or a digital device while listening to a lecture, reading a textbook, or studying. It is commonly used in academic settings to help students remember key concepts, facts, and dates for future revision. While similar to "take notes," this phrase emphasizes the physical or digital act of writing the information down.
Examples
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During the biology lecture, I tried to write down notes on everything the professor said about cell division.
During the biology lecture, I tried to write down notes on everything the professor said about cell division.
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It is a good habit to write down notes in the margins of your textbook while you read.
It is a good habit to write down notes in the margins of your textbook while you read.
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She prefers to write down notes by hand because she feels it helps her memorize the material better.
She prefers to write down notes by hand because she feels it helps her memorize the material better.
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If you do not write down notes during the seminar, you might forget the main arguments by next week.
If you do not write down notes during the seminar, you might forget the main arguments by next week.
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The teacher paused the presentation to give us a few minutes to write down notes from the slide.
The teacher paused the presentation to give us a few minutes to write down notes from the slide.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to write down of notes during the class.
✓ I need to write down notes during the class.
The phrasal verb 'write down' takes a direct object. You do not need to use the preposition 'of' before 'notes'.
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✗ Please make down notes while I explain the formula.
✓ Please write down notes while I explain the formula.
In English, we 'write down notes' or 'take notes.' We do not use the verb 'make' with 'down' to describe recording information.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Make sure you ___ during the guest speaker's presentation today.
💡 Record information on paper or your laptop to remember it later.
Show answer
write down notes
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I always ___ on my laptop because it is much faster than using a pen.
💡 Type or record key ideas during a study session.
Show answer
write down notes