Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
write (you) up
write you up
Meaning(s)
1) make an official report of wrongdoing
How to MemorizePopularity MediumProfessional MediumSocial
write someone up for their bad behaviour
Analysis
When you 'write up' someone, you officially report someone for breaking a law or rule. If someone 'writes you up' there may be a written record of your misconduct. This is an expression used more often in formal contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
I told the police officer who pulled me over that I was speeding because I needed to get to the hospital, but that excuse didn't stop him from writing me up. The last thing I needed was another speeding ticket!
Professional Examples (Advance)
Kevin was not pulling his weight in the team at all. I addressed the issue with him but he ignored me so I felt I had no choice but to officially document the matter. That's why I decided to write him up.
My boss wrote me up for being continuously late, and said that now I had been officially warned for my behaviour; if I was late again in the next month I would be fired.