Write: wrote, written
The verb write is irregular and changes form depending on the tense:
  • wrote: Simple past (describes a completed action in the past)
  • written: Past participle (used with helping verbs like 'have' or 'had')

Usage of “wrote”

  • Indicates a completed action that happened at a specific time in the past.
  • Usually stands alone without auxiliary verbs.
  • Example: *She wrote a letter yesterday.

Usage of “written”

  • Used with auxiliary verbs have, has, or had to form perfect tenses.
  • Indicates an action that was completed before another time or has relevance to the present.
  • Example: *I have written three emails today.

Summary

  • Use wrote for simple past actions.
  • Use written for perfect tenses with auxiliary verbs (have/has/had).
  • Both forms relate to the act of composing text but differ in grammatical structure and time frame.

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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