English Reference

Phrasal verb

jot down

Definition

phrasal verb. to write something quickly on a piece of paper so you do not forget it.

phrasal verb. to record something in writing briefly or hastily. Transitive and optionally separable, typically used for short notes or contact details.

Examples

“I need to jot down your phone number.”

“During the meeting, she managed to jot down several creative ideas for the upcoming marketing campaign.”

“While the professor lectured at a breakneck pace, the students struggled to jot down even the most fundamental concepts of the theory.”

Examples

simple

“I need to jot down your phone number.”

contextual

“During the meeting, she managed to jot down several creative ideas for the upcoming marketing campaign.”

complex

“While the professor lectured at a breakneck pace, the students struggled to jot down even the most fundamental concepts of the theory.”

Usage

usually used for short pieces of information like names, numbers, or quick ideas.

Teaching tip

emphasize the speed and brevity implied by 'jot' compared to the more neutral 'write down'.

Pitfall

I will jot down it.

I will jot it down.

when the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must come between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

optional

Pattern

jot + down + object

Synonyms

notescribblewrite downtake down

Antonyms

erasecross out

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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