writing
A2Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
The process or activity of composing text, typically using letters or other symbols, especially as a means of communication, record-keeping, or literary creation.
1) The written work of an author; a body of literary production. 2) The particular style or manner of someone's written composition. 3) The profession or occupation of an author. 4) A sequence of letters or symbols forming coherent text. 5) The process of inscribing characters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is primarily a non-count noun referring to the activity or the product in a general sense. It can be used as a count noun ('writings') to refer to specific authored works or a collection of texts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The main distinction is in the verb form 'write', where past participle 'written' is standard in both, but occasionally informal BrE uses 'wrote' as a past participle (non-standard, e.g., 'I've wrote a letter').
Connotations
In academic contexts, BrE may slightly favour 'composition' for school exercises, while AmE comfortably uses 'writing' for the same. The phrase 'in writing' (as a formal guarantee) is equally common in both.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with negligible difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the writing of + NOUN (the writing of a novel)writing about/on + TOPIC (writing about history)writing for + AUDIENCE/PURPOSE (writing for children)writing + that-CLAUSE (writing that he was sorry)writing + to-INF (writing to inform you)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the writing is on the wall (a sign that something bad will happen)”
- “in writing (formally documented)”
- “force of writing (persuasive power of text)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to formal communication, reports, contracts (e.g., 'Please confirm the agreement in writing').
Academic
Denotes scholarly composition, essays, research papers, and the discipline of studying written composition (e.g., 'Her academic writing is meticulously sourced').
Everyday
Refers to everyday notes, letters, journals, or the physical act (e.g., 'His writing is hard to read', 'I love creative writing').
Technical
In computing, can refer to data being saved to memory or storage (e.g., 'writing to disk'). In linguistics, refers to a writing system (e.g., 'cuneiform writing').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is writing a letter to the council.
- He has been writing for The Guardian for years.
American English
- She's writing a check for the bill.
- He writes for The New York Times.
adjective
British English
- She bought a new writing desk for her study.
- The museum displayed a writing slate from the Victorian era.
American English
- She stocked up on writing paper.
- He brought his writing pad to the meeting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am writing an email to my friend.
- Her writing is very neat and easy to read.
- He enjoys creative writing and has published several short stories.
- Please send your confirmation in writing.
- The clarity of her academic writing makes complex topics accessible.
- Ancient Egyptian writing was deciphered using the Rosetta Stone.
- Postmodern writing often blurs the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction.
- The contract is not valid until it is agreed in writing by both parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WRITE' + 'ING'. You need a pen with a RIGHt nib to do WRITING. Or: Writing is the RIGHT thing for recording information.
Conceptual Metaphor
WRITING IS A JOURNEY ('the essay goes on to say...'); WRITING IS A CONTAINER ('full of ideas'); WRITING IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT ('a dense piece of writing'); WRITING IS A VOICE ('the writer speaks to us').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'writing' to translate 'рукопись' (manuscript). 'Writing' is more general. 'Manuscript' is a specific word.
- Do not confuse 'writing' (деятельность, продукт) with 'handwriting' (почерк). 'Your writing is good' can be ambiguous.
- Remember 'writing' is uncountable for the activity/skill. Use 'a piece of writing' or 'writings' for countable instances.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I like your writings.' (if referring to style or a single piece; correct: 'I like your writing.')
- Incorrect: 'He is in the writing.' (meaning his profession; correct: 'He is in writing.' or 'He works in writing.')
- Incorrect: 'She studies writing.' (ambiguous; better: 'She studies creative writing' or 'She studies the art of writing.')
Practice
Quiz
In which phrase does 'writing' refer specifically to a formal, documented agreement?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily uncountable (I enjoy writing). The plural form 'writings' refers to a collection of works by an author or on a subject (the writings of Shakespeare).
'Writing' is the general activity or product of composing text. 'Handwriting' refers specifically to the style and appearance of a person's writing by hand.
Yes, often preceded by 'the' or a possessive. E.g., 'The writing on the wall was a warning.' or 'I analysed his earlier writing.'
It means there are clear signs that something, especially something unpleasant, is going to happen or come to an end.