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
| Grammar job | Correct form | Example pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Simple past with no auxiliary | wrote | She wrote yesterday. |
| After have/has/had in a perfect construction | written | She has written three drafts. |
| Passive construction after a form of be | written | The note was written yesterday. |
| Adjective before a noun | written | written instructions |
Quick tests
Auxiliary test
Is the form following have, has, had, or being used in a passive construction?
If yes: Use the past participle “written.”
If no: For a simple past statement, use “wrote.”
Caveat: “Written” can also function adjectivally, so not every occurrence needs an auxiliary.
Examples
I wrote the report last night.
“Wrote” is the simple past form.
I have written the report already.
“Have” requires the past participle “written.”
She has wrote three pages.
Better: She has written three pages.
After “has,” the past participle is required.
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