write in
B1Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To add something to a document or text by writing it in a blank space or designated area.
To enter information on a ballot, form, or document; to formally submit a request, suggestion, or vote by writing; to create content as an addendum or insertion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Phrasal verb, separable. Can refer to physical writing or figurative/formal submission. Often implies completion of a predefined structure (e.g., a form, ballot).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In electoral contexts, both use 'write-in candidate/campaign/vote'. In administrative contexts, UK English slightly prefers 'fill in' for forms, while 'write in' is equally common in US English.
Connotations
Both share neutral/formal connotations related to procedures. In creative contexts (e.g., 'write in a character'), it carries a slightly technical or editorial tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English, particularly regarding elections ('write-in vote'). In UK English, common in administrative/educational contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] write in [object] (e.g., Write in your answer.)[subject] write [object] in (e.g., Write your name in.)[subject] write in for [something] (e.g., Write in for a free sample.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “write in stone (rare variant of 'set in stone')”
- “write oneself in (to a story/script)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Completing forms, adding clauses to contracts, submitting written feedback.
Academic
Providing answers on exam papers, adding corrections to a draft.
Everyday
Filling out a birthday card, adding items to a shopping list.
Technical
Adding code comments, entering data into a field in software.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please write in your full address on the dotted line.
- If your candidate isn't listed, you can write one in.
- She wrote her answer in neatly.
- Thousands of viewers wrote in to complain.
American English
- Don't forget to write in your social security number.
- He's mounting a write-in campaign for mayor.
- Write the password in the top box.
- Listeners can write in with their questions.
adverb
British English
- This section must be completed write-in. (rare, formal)
American English
- The ballot instructions said 'Vote write-in'. (rare, formal)
adjective
British English
- They launched a write-in campaign for the committee position.
- The write-in option is at the bottom of the ballot.
American English
- She was a write-in candidate for county clerk.
- We saw a surprising number of write-in votes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Write your name in the box.
- The teacher said to write in the answer.
- Can I write in pencil?
- If you make a mistake, just write in the correction.
- You need to write in your date of birth.
- Many people wrote in to support the idea.
- The form requires you to write in your previous employment history.
- He won the primary as a write-in candidate.
- The author decided to write in a new character to develop the subplot.
- The contract allows for amendments to be written in, provided both parties initial them.
- A significant portion of the electorate opted to write in a protest vote.
- The software's code was poorly documented, so I had to write in extensive comments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ballot with an empty line. To make your vote COUNT, you must WRITE a name IN that space.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPTY SPACES ARE CONTAINERS TO BE FILLED WITH WRITING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'писать в' for digital actions (use 'type in').
- Do not confuse with 'write to' (написать кому-то). 'Write in' focuses on the medium/space being written ON, not the recipient.
Common Mistakes
- *Write in the computer (use 'type on/into').
- *I wrote in him yesterday. (use 'wrote to').
- Inseparable use when it should be separable: *Please write in it. (Often 'write it in').
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is 'write in' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'Write your answer in' or 'Write in your answer'.
They are often interchangeable for forms, but 'fill in' emphasizes completing all blanks in a structure, while 'write in' emphasizes the act of writing within a specific, often blank, space.
Yes, in the pattern 'write in to [an organisation/programme]', it means to send a written communication, usually a letter or email.
A candidate whose name does not appear on the official ballot, but for whom voters can vote by writing that person's name in a designated space on the ballot.