verb

wrote

ROHT

Wrote (verb) means the past tense of write: formed letters, words or symbols on a surface, or composed a text, letter, piece of music or program. Example: “She wrote her name on the inside cover.”

verb

The past tense of write: formed letters, words or symbols on a surface, or composed a text, letter, piece of music or program.

"She wrote her name on the inside cover."

"He wrote three novels before anyone would publish one."

"I wrote to the council twice and heard nothing back."

How to Use Wrote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe past form of "write".

When to use it

Neutral and standard.

Memory tip

"Wrote" stands alone as the simple past: I wrote it. "Written" needs a helper verb: I have written it. "I have wrote" is a common error.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

wrote vs written wrote vs rote wrote vs wrought

Common pairings

wrote a letter wrote about wrote down wrote back

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ her name on the inside cover.

Etymology

Past tense of write, from Old English writan, originally meaning to scratch or incise.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for wrote

OTE vote note rote dote tote quote remote coyote capote peyote devote

See all rhymes for wrote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between wrote and written?

"Wrote" is the simple past and is used on its own: I wrote the report yesterday. "Written" is the past participle and needs an auxiliary verb such as have, has, had or was: I have written the report, the report was written by me.

Is "I have wrote" correct?

No. After have, has or had you need the participle: "I have written". "I have wrote" is non-standard, though it occurs in some regional dialects.

What is the difference between wrote and rote?

They sound alike but are unrelated. "Wrote" is the past tense of write. "Rote" is a noun meaning mechanical memorisation, as in learning multiplication tables by rote.