Skip to main content
written communication

written communication

2 3.4
To share information by writing, for example in letters or emails
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪtən kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən/
translation icon : comunicación escrita
  • Many businesses rely on written communication, such as emails and reports, to share information with colleagues.
  • oral and written communication
  • written communication skills
  • verbal and written communication

Examples

  • And he values written communication exceptionally highly.

  • Students' exposure to books and other forms of written communication is based on the interests of their families.

    Academic text (2012)
  • On a global stage, good written communication skills are an asset.

    Academic text (2013)
  • So for our team, the thing that I'm usually pushing on is just written communication, right?

  • But our strong feelings against paperwork can blind us to the potential of effectively used written communication.

    Academic text (1996)
  • But the justices realize that their written communications may not tell the whole story.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Assure the administrator that you will submit for his or her approval any written communication with parents.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Government staff ranked written communication skills as new employees' top deficiency.

    Academic text (2011)
  • In the event of diverging perspectives, consensus was achieved through group discussion and written communication.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The PROSE Checklist can provide guidance to school personnel to improve school-to-home written communication.

    Academic text (2015)

Synonyms

writing
vswritten communication
123 1.0

Marks or letters on a surface that show language

focuses on the overall activity of conveying information across formats
correspondence
vswritten communication
61 3.5

Letters and messages that people send to each other

is broader and covers many written formats beyond exchanged letters
written word
vswritten communication
16 3.2

Words shown with letters on a page or screen instead of spoken

is the broader process and includes formats like emails and reports

Antonyms

To talk to share ideas or information with others

How Formal

business letter
  • Formal
1 2.7
letter
1.0
written communication
2 3.4
email
  • Texting
220 1.0
note
1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

written + communication

The phrase's meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'written' (in a written format) + 'communication' (exchanging information), so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it refers to communicating via letters, emails, reports, etc. This adjective+noun pattern is a common, cross-linguistic construction and follows standard English composition, making the MWE immediately comprehensible.

Etymology

The term written communication comes from the simple act of using written words to send messages or make records. That clear picture explains why the phrase means 'sending information by letters, emails, or reports' today.