take notes — write notes
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to quickly write down important information, usually while listening to someone speak or reading something.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall make a written record throughout the lecture.
Native I'll take notes during the lecture.
Natural; 'make a written record throughout' is stiff.
Pattern: take notes (on sth)
In use
- During the lecture, I took notes so I could remember the main ideas later.study
- In my opinion, it's important to take notes during class because it helps me remember what the teacher says and review the material later.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I take note of everything in the lecture.
✓ I take notes in the lecture.
'Take notes' (plural) = write a record; 'take note (of)' = pay close attention.
Common collocations
take notes— during, detailed, take notes on, careful
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'write a note', which means to write a short message to someone.