You’ve finished typing out an email or document, and as you look over your work, a question pops up—should it be “writen” or “written”? This is a common confusion for many, especially when rushing through writing tasks.
Both may seem correct at a glance, but only one spelling is widely accepted. Let’s dive into the differences and clear up the confusion once and for all.
Understanding Writen And Written
Writen: Definition and Usage
“Writen” is actually an incorrect spelling of “written.” While it might look like it fits within the rules of English, it is not considered proper in any context.
The word “writen” does not exist in standard English usage, and using it in professional or academic settings can make your writing appear unpolished.
Examples:
- Incorrect: He had writen the report before the meeting.
- Incorrect: She has writen her first book.
Written: Definition and Usage
“Written,” on the other hand, is the correct past participle of the verb “write.” It is used in perfect tenses, like “has written” or “had written,” to describe an action that was completed in the past.
“Written” is universally accepted in both American and British English and is used in a wide variety of formal and informal contexts.
Examples:
- Correct: He had written the report before the meeting.
- Correct: She has written her first book.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Writen | Written |
| Definition | Incorrect spelling | Correct past participle of “write” |
| Common Usage | He has writen the letter. (incorrect) | He has written the letter. (correct) |
| Key Differences | Non-standard spelling | Standard, accepted in all contexts |
When deciding between “writen” and “written,” it’s simple: always choose “written.” “Writen” is not recognized as a valid word in the English language.
Everyday Usage Examples
To help you better understand the correct usage of “written,” here are some everyday examples:
- She has written a beautiful poem for her class.
- The essay was written in a hurry, but it was still impressive.
- He has written to his parents every week since moving abroad.
- The contract was written in a formal and professional tone.
- They had written down all the instructions before starting the project.
- The letter was written by hand, giving it a personal touch.
Conclusion
In the battle of “writen” vs. “written,” “written” is the only correct option. “Writen” is a common misspelling that should be avoided in all forms of writing, whether casual or formal.
If you ever find yourself unsure, just remember: “written” follows the rules of English grammar and is the accepted past participle of the verb “write.”