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