written work

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   Work that is done in writing, especially for a school, college, or university course.

   Grammar: Uncountable: say 'written work', not 'a written work' or 'written works' in this sense. It takes a singular verb.

   Patterns

   • submit written work
   • mark written work
   • written work for a course

   Students must submit their written work by Friday.

   The teacher spent the weekend marking written work.

   Her written work is clear and well organized.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A piece of writing, such as a book, article, or poem, considered as a created work.

   Grammar: Countable when talking about a specific created text: 'a written work', 'several written works'.

   Patterns

   • a written work by someone
   • a collection of written works

   The library holds many written works from the 19th century.

   This written work was published after the author's death.

Common combinations

submit written work

You must submit written work online before midnight.

mark written work

Teachers mark written work using a clear set of criteria.

assess written work

The exam includes a section that assesses written work.

a piece of written work

Each piece of written work counts for ten percent of the grade.

Synonyms and how they differ

writing

A broader word for any text or the activity of writing; 'written work' usually refers to assignments that are handed in.

coursework

Work done during a course, which may include written, practical, or spoken parts; 'written work' is only the written part.

Word family

write verb

To make letters or words on a surface or screen.

writer noun

A person who writes, especially as a job.

writing noun

The activity of writing, or text that has been written.

Commonly confused: written work or writing work?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “written work”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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