'Write' versus 'Write down'

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me the difference between:

1- Write an essay on any one of the following.
2- Write down an essay on any one of the following.

Tom

[Conchita]

Both sentences mean the same. Personally, though, I normally use 'to write down' in the sense of 'to note (down)' a short message, a phone number, etc., as a reminder.

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

As Conchita so rightly avers, both are fine and the 'down' bit suggests making a note. I could add that the idea of 'down' often suggests that you are writing something and you are copying it from someone or somewhere above you as the teacher to the class or the noticeboard to your notebook.

A
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