What are the definitions of “write up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make complete written version.
I WROTE UP the report and submitted it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “write up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb write up is to create a complete written version of something, such as a report, an article, or a document.
What are the different verb forms of “write up”?
| Root Verb | write up |
| Third Person Singular Present | writes up |
| Present Participle | writing up |
| Simple Past | wrote up |
| Past Participle | written up |
Example
She needs to write up her research findings.
Example
He writes up the meeting minutes every week.
Example
She is writing up her thesis for her final project.
Example
He wrote up a summary of the conference.
Example
The article has been written up and is ready for publication.
What kind of phrasal verb is “write up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“write up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She wrote up a report on the project.
Example
He wrote the report up quickly.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“write up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She wrote up a report on the project.
Example
He wrote the report up quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “write up”?
Write up a storm
To write a lot or very quickly.
Example
She wrote up a storm to finish her novel before the deadline.
Write someone up
To formally document a person's misconduct or poor performance, usually in a workplace setting.
Example
The manager wrote him up for being late to work three times this week.
Write up an invoice
To create a detailed list of goods or services provided, along with their prices, for billing purposes.
Example
The contractor wrote up an invoice for the completed work.
Good things to know
Does “write up” have an informal or formal tone?
Write up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as professional and academic settings.
