Cool MateRecord vs Writedown
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Record
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Writedown
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Record
| Record | Writedown | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈrekɔːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈrekərd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈraɪt daʊn//🇺🇸 //ˈraɪt daʊn// |
| Meaning | To write down or save information. | To write something down on paper. |
| Example | I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday. | Please write down your phone number. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | formal, official, public, keep, maintain, compile, contain something, include something, indicate something, in the record, in the records, off the record, access to the records, have a record of something, have no record of something, club, course, national, hold, establish, set, stand, fall, book, attempt, breaker, record for, record with, in record time, past, track, distinguished, have, possess, establish, demonstrate something, show something, compare with something, record among, record for, record in, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label | write down notes, write down ideas, write down information, write down thoughts, write down a list |
| Antonyms | erase, delete | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'recorded' when discussing past actions., Using 'record' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Mixing up 'record' with 'recall' which has a different meaning. | Often confused with 'write up' which means to create a formal report., Some learners use 'writedown' as one word instead of two., Mixing up with 'note down', which can imply taking brief notes. |
| Usage notes | Use 'record' when talking about saving audio, video, or information. It's suitable in most contexts, but in casual speech, phrases like 'make a recording' may sound more natural. | Use 'write down' in casual or formal contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing where 'document' may be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Record vs Writedown
What's the difference between Record and Writedown?
Record: To write down or save information. Writedown: To write something down on paper.
Which is more common: Record and Writedown?
Record is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Record: I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday. Writedown: Please write down your phone number.
Can I use Record and Writedown interchangeably?
Not always. Record and Writedown 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.