was written vs is written

Both "was written" and "is written" are correct, but they express different tenses. "Was written" refers to something written in the past, while "is written" refers to something that is currently written or is a general truth.

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 19, 2025 • 5253 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that was written in the past.

"was written"

Use "was written" when you are talking about something that was written in the past. It indicates that the action of writing took place at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

The letter was written last night.
The book was written by a famous author.
The report was written before the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

French Rupture was written by Jacques Tootight.
Look, that piece was written by Chad Gorsuch.
Something was written on the bathroom wall.
It was written in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
This report was written six months before the Clutters were killed.
Your favorite story, whatever it might be was written for one reader.
The note was written in the last 48 hours.
"you're next" was written on the man's forehead.
What was written will come to pass.
The movie was written for his physical capacities and his sensibility.
This article was written in 1982.
This manual was written by Timothy Musson.
This comment was written in the mid-1990s, but the current crisis makes it even more pertinent.
That was written to find you.
I mean, that passage was written in 1989.
Just something that was written on the ladies' room wall.
The history of islam was written in two lines.
This poem was written about 2,000 years ago.
Tell us where the piece was written.
This movie was written by white nerds.

Alternatives:

had been written
was composed
was drafted
was inscribed
was recorded

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that is currently written or a general truth.

"is written"

Use "is written" when you are talking about something that is currently written or when stating a general truth. It indicates that the writing exists in the present.

Examples:

The information is written on the board.
It is written in the constitution.
The rules are written in the handbook.

Show examples from the web [+]

Everyone's assignment is written here.
This textbook is written in simple English.
Your vow is written in nu shu.
God's will is written across the heavens.
When history is written, murderers are heroes.
But the music is written one octave higher than what you hear.
My name is written out there in chalk.
"Mamiya" is written here.
"One" is written with an exclamation point.
The truth is written on all our faces.
The e-mail to Hanna is written.
History is written by the survivors.
Now, that is written in prophecy...
Your destiny is written my good warrior.
It is written in simple English.
This book is difficult to read as it is written in French.
That is not what is written in the evidence.
History is written by the victors.
Oui is written that our draft can go back as before.
Article 575, it is written "homicide".

Alternatives:

has been written
is inscribed
is recorded
is documented
is penned

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was written vs is written

"was written"

"is written"

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