Cool MateNote vs Write this down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Note
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Write this down
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Note
| Note | Write this down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/nəʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nəʊt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //raɪt ðɪs daʊn//🇺🇸 //raɪt ðɪs daʊn// |
| Meaning | A piece of writing, usually short. | To put something on paper. |
| Example | I left a note on the fridge for you. | 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 | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), brief, little, quick, scribble (somebody), write (somebody), send (somebody), a note of thanks, brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), detailed, extensive, explanatory, detailed, extensive, explanatory, five-pound, ten-euro, etc., bundle, roll, wad, high, top, low, play, sing, hit, brighter, cheerful, happier, hit, sound, strike, creep into somebody’s voice, enter somebody’s voice, note of, a note in somebody’s voice | write this down quickly, write this down carefully, ask someone to write this down |
| Antonyms | forget, ignore | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'notate', which is more about musical or formal notation., Using 'note' as a verb incorrectly in some contexts., Overusing in contexts where 'memo' or 'message' would be clearer. | Learners often forget to use it in imperative form., Some may confuse it with 'write down this' which is less common. |
| Usage notes | Use 'note' when writing something down to remember or inform. It's more neutral than casual terms like 'jot down'. Avoid it in very formal reports. | 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: Note vs Write this down
What's the difference between Note and Write this down?
Note: A piece of writing, usually short. Write this down: To put something on paper.
Which is more common: Note and Write this down?
Note is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Note: I left a note on the fridge for you. Write this down: Please write this down so you don’t forget.
Can I use Note and Write this down interchangeably?
Not always. Note 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.