write

Everyday

1. To write means to put letters, words or numbers on paper or a screen. tree →
2. To write a story, letter or song is to make it up and put it into words. tree →
3. To write to someone is to send them a letter or message. tree →
4. «Write down» means write so you will remember. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: pages or words written (amounts per day); «write the answer», «write the number in words», «write a number sentence». In literacy: write a story, a report, a poem; handwriting. In everyday life: write a shopping list, write a thank-you card. Phrases: «write down», «write to», «write back», «write out».

Examples

• She writes 2 pages a day. tree →
• He wrote 5 letters. tree →
• Write the number in words. tree →
• How many pages will she write in a week? tree →
• Roald Dahl wrote many books for children. tree →
• Write your name at the top of the page. tree →
• I wrote to my pen pal in New Zealand. tree →
• Write down the homework so you don't forget. tree →
• He wrote his little story on his hand-ker-chief. tree →

Note

Past «wrote», past participle «written»; the «w» is silent. Do not confuse with «right» or «rite» (same sound). Writer = a person who writes. Maths: pages per day is a rate (days × pages). «Write the answer» is an instruction, no number.

In Jewish tradition

Writing in the Torah is holy work: God writes the tablets, Moses writes the words, and Israel is told to write God's words on doorposts and gates. The prophets and wisdom books also use it for writing on the heart, and for writing unjust decrees.

Interpretation. The command to write on doorposts is kept in the mezuzah, and the command to write the Torah is kept by a scribe writing a Torah scroll. Each Jew is also asked to take part in writing one. "Write them on the table of your heart" is read as taking God's teaching inside oneself.

Examples

• And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten words. (Torah EXO.34.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• And He wrote them upon two tables of stone, and gave them unto me. (Torah DEU.5.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. (Torah DEU.6.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thy heart. (Writings PRO.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers that write iniquity; (Prophets ISA.10.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• That Thou shouldest write bitter things against me, and make me to inherit the iniquities of my youth. (Writings JOB.13.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past «wrote», past participle «written»; the «w» is silent. Do not confuse with «right» or «rite» (same sound). Writer = a person who writes. Maths: pages per day is a rate (days × pages). «Write the answer» is an instruction, no number.