Cool MateLog vs Write this down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Log
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Write this down
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Log
| Log | Write this down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/lɒɡ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɔːɡ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //raɪt ðɪs daʊn//🇺🇸 //raɪt ðɪs daʊn// |
| Meaning | A piece of wood that has been cut from a tree, or a record of events. | To put something on paper. |
| Example | The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the entire voyage. | Please write this down so you don’t forget. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | cut, sawn, fallen, chop, saw, split, blaze, burn, crackle, cabin, house, fire, detailed, daily, captain’s, keep, maintain, update, book, sheet, entry | write this down quickly, write this down carefully, ask someone to write this down |
| Antonyms | discharge, export, erase | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'logged' as a past tense verb., Using 'log' only in relation to trees and not recognizing the meaning of records., Mispronouncing 'log' as 'lag'. | Learners often forget to use it in imperative form., Some may confuse it with 'write down this' which is less common. |
| Usage notes | Use 'log' when referring to tree trunks or records of events. Avoid in casual conversations about smaller sticks or everyday actions unless specifically referencing a log book. | Use when instructing someone to record information. More suitable in casual settings; may sound too informal in professional contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Log vs Write this down
What's the difference between Log and Write this down?
Log: A piece of wood that has been cut from a tree, or a record of events. Write this down: To put something on paper.
Which is more common: Log and Write this down?
Log is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Log: The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the entire voyage. Write this down: Please write this down so you don’t forget.
Can I use Log and Write this down interchangeably?
Not always. Log and Write this down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.