Word
wrote
US/ˈɹoʊt/
UK/ɹˈəʊt/
Definitions
01past tense of write
A1 · Beginner
v. the past tense of 'write'. You use this when someone created a text, letter, or book in the past.
v. the simple past tense of 'write'. It indicates that the act of writing occurred at a specific time in the past.
“She wrote a long letter to her parents while she was traveling.”
“The novelist wrote the final chapter of her trilogy during a secluded retreat in the mountains, finishing the project months ahead of schedule.”
Pitfall
I have wrote three letters today.
I have written three letters today.
In standard English, 'wrote' is the past tense, but 'written' is the past participle used after 'have' or 'had'.
02nonstandard past participle
C1 · Advanced Informal · Dialect
v. a casual or regional way to say 'written'.
v. a nonstandard past participle of 'write'. This form is common in certain regional dialects and informal speech.
“He said he should have wrote the address down before he left.”
“In some regional dialects, a speaker might remark that they 'should have wrote' the check sooner, though this remains nonstandard in professional contexts.”
Usage
Used following an auxiliary verb like 'have' or 'had' in place of the standard 'written'.
Teaching tip
Learners should recognize this in casual speech or song lyrics but should always use 'written' in their own writing and exams.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Ottawa Citizen, he wrote, promptly deleted Mr. Robson’s biography page and removed his articles without publishing an editorial note.” Idioms
- 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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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