write back

reply to a letter or message in writing

B1

What does "write back" mean?

To write back means to send a written reply to someone who has written to you first. It can be used for traditional letters, emails, text messages, or any kind of written communication. For example, if a friend sends you a postcard while travelling, you might write back to tell them about life at home. The phrase has a warm, personal feeling that makes it especially common in friendly or informal correspondence. It is slightly more personal in tone than simply saying 'reply', and it works equally well in British and American English.

Examples

How to use it

write back (no object)

The most common use — the recipient is not mentioned, and the verb stands alone.

I sent him a long email last week, but he never wrote back.

write back to + person

Use 'to' to introduce the person you are replying to.

She finally wrote back to her old teacher after months of not responding.

please / hope + write back

Very common in requests or expressions of hope at the end of a letter or message.

I hope you write back soon — I'd love to hear how things are going.

write back and + verb

Used to invite someone to reply and share specific information.

Write back and tell me what you think of the new apartment!

write back to + verb phrase

Used to explain the purpose or content of the reply.

He wrote back to thank us for the invitation.

Common Collocations

write back to someonenever wrote backplease write backwrite back soonwrite back and tell mefinally wrote back

Common Mistakes

Separating the phrasal verb

'Write back' cannot be separated — you must not place a pronoun or noun between 'write' and 'back'. Always use 'write back to me/her/them' instead.

✗ Can you write me back when you get a chance?
✓ Can you write back to me when you get a chance?
Confusing 'write back' with 'get back to'

'Write back' always refers to a written reply (a letter, email, or message). 'Get back to someone' is broader and can include calling them or speaking to them in person.

✗ I'll write back to you after our meeting — we can talk then.
✓ I'll get back to you after our meeting — we can talk then.
Using the present continuous awkwardly

'Write back' is not usually used in the present continuous. It sounds more natural in the simple past, present simple, or with 'will'.

✗ Don't worry, I am writing back to her right now about the details.
✓ Don't worry, I'll write back to her right now about the details.

Usage

Write back is neutral and works for both letters and emails. It has a slightly personal, warm tone compared to 'reply', making it common in friendly or informal correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'write back' for emails and text messages, or only for letters?

'Write back' is completely natural for emails, text messages, and online messages — not just traditional letters. Although it has a slightly old-fashioned, letter-writing feel, it is widely used in everyday digital communication. For example, 'Did she write back to your email yet?' is perfectly normal.

Does 'write back' always need 'to' before the person?

No — you can drop 'to' and the person entirely if the context is already clear. For example, 'I sent the message two days ago and she still hasn't written back' is very natural. You only need 'to + person' when you want to make clear who you are replying to.

Can 'write back' be used in the passive, for example 'the letter was written back'?

No, 'write back' cannot be used in the passive. Because it is an intransitive verb — meaning it has no direct object — there is nothing to make the subject of a passive sentence. You would need to rephrase, for example: 'Nobody replied to the letter.'

Does 'write back' ever mean something different?

In a very rare and non-standard use, 'write back' can mean to write something again or rewrite it, but this meaning is extremely uncommon. In almost all situations, especially when a person is involved, 'write back' means to send a written reply. Context makes the meaning clear.

Is 'write back' more informal than 'reply'?

'Write back' is neutral in register — it is not strongly informal, and you can use it in a range of situations, from friendly messages to discussing business emails. However, it does have a slightly warmer, more personal tone than 'reply', which tends to feel more neutral or formal. Both are correct in most everyday contexts.

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