Wrote vs. Written
“Wrote” and “written” are different forms of the irregular verb “write.” “Wrote” is the past simple, while “written” is the past participle used in perfect and passive constructions and can also function as an adjective.
Use “wrote” for the simple past (“I wrote it”). Use “written” as the past participle (“I have written it”) or as an adjective (“written instructions”).
Key details
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| simple past action | wrote | It is the past simple form of write. |
| after have/has/had or in many passive forms | written | It is the past participle. |
| an adjective before a noun | written | It can mean expressed in writing. |
Further guidance
Adjective Boundary
“Written” can also be an adjective, as in “written instructions,” while “wrote” does not have that adjective use.
Core difference
Use “wrote” for the simple past: “She wrote yesterday.” Use “written” as the past participle, normally with an auxiliary such as have, has, had, or be in passive constructions.
Fast Test
If you can place “has/have/had” before the form, choose “written”: “has written.” For a standalone past-tense verb, choose “wrote.”
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.
- Wrote — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary record identifying wrote as the past simple of write
- Written — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary record identifying written as the past participle of write and an adjective