Writings: meaning, definitions and examples

General term that refers to any written work, whether it is formal or informal, covering a wide array of formats including books, articles, essays, and letters.

• His writings reflect his deep understanding of human nature.
• The professor's writings have been widely cited in academic circles.

Broad term that can refer to the creations of an artist or author, usually encompassing their entire body of significant output. Often used in formal or academic contexts.

• The complete works of Shakespeare are available in the library.
• Her works have been translated into several languages.

Usually refers to written works that have artistic or intellectual value, including poetry, novels, and plays. The term often implies a level of quality and recognition in the field of arts and humanities.

• She is studying English literature at university.
• The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the author for his profound novels.

Commonly used in educational settings to refer to essays or pieces of writing created as part of school or college assignments. It can also refer to works of art in music or literature.

• The teacher asked us to write a composition about our summer vacation.
• Beethoven's compositions are celebrated worldwide.

Used to refer to a collection of written works, especially those of high quality or significance like books, essays, and articles.

• Her writings on medieval history are highly regarded in academic circles

Often refers to short written reminders, comments, or annotations used for personal organization or study purposes.

• She took diligent notes during the lecture to help her remember key points

Commonly used for any type of communication, usually informal or brief, sent via text, social media, email, or other digital means.

• He sent me a message to confirm our meeting time for tomorrow

Typically used to describe the exchange of letters or emails between people, often in a more formal or professional setting.

• Their correspondence over the years revealed a deep friendship and mutual respect

General term for pieces of written work, which can include books, articles, essays, and more. Suitable for informal and formal contexts when referring to the collective body of work by an author or on a specific topic.

• His writings have influenced many modern philosophers.
• The library has an extensive collection of historical writings.

Refers specifically to a piece of written work, often used in educational settings or when describing the structure and elements of the writing. It's more formal than 'writings' and can imply a focus on the process of writing itself.

• The teacher asked us to prepare a composition about our summer holidays.
• Her composition skills have improved significantly.

Refers to a detailed explanation or large-scale writing that systematically explains a topic. More formal and scholarly, used in academic or technical contexts.

• The scientist's exposition of the theory was detailed and thorough.
• The book includes an exposition of different philosophical arguments.

A short piece of writing on a particular subject, often expressing the author's personal point of view. Commonly used in academic settings and sometimes in magazines and newspapers.

• I have to write an essay for my English class.
• His latest essay on climate change was published in the journal.