Common Mistakes with the Verb ‘write’
The verb write is one of the most frequently used irregular verbs in English, yet it causes confusion because its past tense form (wrote) and past participle form (written) are different, and many learners mix them up. The most common mistake is using wrote where written is needed (especially after have, has, or had), or using wrote as a past participle. This guide will help you use write, wrote, and written correctly in emails, conversations, and formal writing.
Quick Answer: The Three Forms of ‘write’
- Base form: write (present tense: I write, you write, he/she writes)
- Past tense: wrote (used for completed actions in the past)
- Past participle: written (used with have, has, had, or in passive voice)
Key rule: Never use wrote after have, has, or had. Always use written in those cases.
Comparison Table: write vs. wrote vs. written
| Form | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| write | Present tense, future, or infinitive | I write emails every day. |
| wrote | Simple past (finished action) | She wrote a report yesterday. |
| written | Past participle (with have/has/had or passive) | He has written three books. |
Natural Examples
In conversation (informal)
- “I wrote a quick note to my boss.” (simple past, finished action)
- “Have you written the shopping list yet?” (present perfect, with have)
- “She writes really long texts.” (present tense, habit)
In email or formal writing
- “I wrote to the client on Monday.” (simple past, clear time reference)
- “The proposal was written by the team.” (passive voice, past participle)
- “We have written a detailed response.” (present perfect, no specific time)
Common nuance
Use wrote when you mention a specific time (e.g., “I wrote it last night”). Use written when the time is not important or when the action connects to the present (e.g., “I have written the report — here it is”).
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using ‘wrote’ after ‘have’
Incorrect: I have wrote the email.
Correct: I have written the email.
Why: After have, has, or had, you must use the past participle (written), not the past tense (wrote).
Mistake 2: Using ‘written’ as a simple past
Incorrect: She written a letter yesterday.
Correct: She wrote a letter yesterday.
Why: For a completed action in the past with a specific time, use the simple past (wrote).
Mistake 3: Confusing ‘write’ and ‘wrote’ in past tense
Incorrect: He write a book last year.
Correct: He wrote a book last year.
Why: Write is the base form and cannot be used for past actions.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the ‘t’ in ‘written’
Incorrect: I have writen the essay.
Correct: I have written the essay.
Why: The past participle has a double t and an en ending.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes write is not the best verb for the situation. Here are more precise alternatives:
- Compose — Use for formal or creative writing (e.g., “She composed a poem.”)
- Draft — Use for a first version of a document (e.g., “I drafted the contract.”)
- Jot down — Use for quick, informal notes (e.g., “Let me jot down your number.”)
- Pen — Use for literary or old-fashioned contexts (e.g., “He penned a letter.”)
- Note — Use for recording information briefly (e.g., “Please note the changes.”)
When to use it: Choose compose or draft in professional emails or reports. Use jot down in casual conversation. Stick with write for everyday use.
Mini Practice: 4 Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct form of write (write, wrote, or written).
- She has ___________ three articles this week.
- I ___________ a long email to my manager yesterday.
- They ___________ the report last month.
- Have you ever ___________ a novel?
Answers
- written (present perfect with has)
- wrote (simple past with specific time yesterday)
- wrote (simple past with specific time last month)
- written (present perfect with have)
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘write’
1. Is it “I have wrote” or “I have written”?
Always use I have written. Wrote is only for simple past without an auxiliary verb.
2. Can I use “wrote” with “has”?
No. After has, have, or had, you must use the past participle written. For example: “He has written a letter.”
3. What is the difference between “I wrote” and “I have written”?
I wrote is simple past, used for a finished action at a specific time (e.g., “I wrote it at 3 PM”). I have written is present perfect, used when the time is not important or the action has relevance now (e.g., “I have written the report — here it is”).
4. Is “writed” a word?
No. Write is irregular, so it never becomes writed. The correct past tense is wrote, and the past participle is written.
Final Tips for Using ‘write’ Correctly
- Memorize the three forms: write – wrote – written.
- When you see have, has, or had, automatically think written.
- In passive voice, always use written (e.g., “The letter was written by her.”).
- Practice by writing short sentences with each form. For more help with irregular verbs, visit our Past Tense Forms and Past Participle Forms sections. If you have questions, check our FAQ or contact us.
