Write-up vs. Write Up
“Write-up” is a hyphenated noun for a report or article. “Write up” is a two-word phrasal verb used for putting something into complete written form and for related reporting senses.
Use “write-up” for the noun and “write up” for the phrasal verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| noun: a report, review, or article | write-up | Use the hyphenated noun. |
| verb: prepare or record something fully in writing | write up | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| sentence can be tested by word class | name vs action | Choose by whether the expression names the document or describes producing it. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the expression naming the report/article rather than describing the act of writing it?
If yes: Noun → “write-up.”
If no: Verb → “write up.”
Caveat: The documented noun is hyphenated; the phrasal verb is written as two words.
Examples
The newspaper published a short write-up.
“Write-up” is the noun naming the article/report.
Please write up the interview notes.
“Write up” is the phrasal verb describing the action.
She wrote up the findings after the meeting.
The past-tense phrasal verb remains two words.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the noun or modifier form documented by the dictionaries when naming a thing, event, result, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced phrasal-verb form is usually the relevant form.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge presents “write-up” as the noun and “write up” as the phrasal verb.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- WRITE SOMETHING UP — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Hyphenated noun “write-up” and two-word phrasal verb “write up”