Meaning & use
well-written
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Meaning
adjectivecomparableapproving
Expressed in clear, skilful and pleasing writing that is easy to follow.
Grammar: Before a noun or after a linking verb: a well-written report; the report is well-written. Comparative is better written.
Patterns
- a well-written something
The teacher praised her for a well-written essay.
It is a well-written novel, and the characters feel real.
Employers love a well-written cover letter.
Word forms
| comparative | better written |
|---|---|
| superlative | best written |
Common combinations
- a well-written essay
- He handed in a well-written essay on climate change.
- well-written and researched
- The article is both well-written and carefully researched.
- beautifully well-written
- The memoir is a beautifully well-written account of her childhood.
- a well-written script
- The show succeeds because of its well-written script.
- a well-written review
- She posted a well-written review of the hotel.
Synonyms and how they differ
- eloquent
- Stresses fluent, persuasive expression and is often used for speech as well as writing.
- polished
- Suggests writing that has been carefully edited and refined, rather than simply good.
- articulate
- Mainly describes people who express ideas clearly, and less often the writing itself.
- readable
- Is a weaker compliment, meaning only that the text is easy to read.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: well-written or well-wrote?
well-written vs well-wrote
This is incorrect. Use the participle written, so well-written is correct, never well-wrote.
Practice
Which sentence uses the word correctly?
Choose one answer.
Well-written uses the past participle written. Well wrote uses the simple past form, which cannot follow well in this way.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “well-written”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.