If you’re wondering how to say something is very “well-written,” you’ve come to the right place!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of helpful terms and phrases that you can use to describe books, scripts, or even important documents at work!
So, keep reading to expand your vocabulary!
Well-Written Synonyms
- Cogent
- Engrossing
- Gripping
- Engaging
- Eloquently
- Articulate
- Well-drafted
- Clever
- Detailed
- Appealing
- Interesting
- Worthwhile
- Beautifully written
- Clearly drafted
- Beautifully scripted
- Beautifully laid out
- Expertly written
- Expressive
- Skillfully written
- Well-stated
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Well-written” is a correct phrase that you can use in a plethora of circumstances, including at work or school.
- “Cogent” is a more formal synonym that you can use in a professional setting.
- In less formal circumstances, you can call a piece of good writing “engrossing.”
Stick around! We still need to discuss our top two synonyms for “well-written” in more detail. We’ll even show you how to use each of our choices in some examples!
Thereafter, we’ll consider the correctness of the phrase “well-written.” Does it always need to be hyphenated?
Cogent (Formal)
If you’re trying to figure out how to describe something that is well-written in a formal or professional setting, we would recommend “cogent.”
“Cogent” is another word for “well-written” that is usually used when discussing an argument.
For instance, a “cogent” argument is one that is very clearly stated and persuasive.
Therefore, this is a great term to use when you want to compliment a well-written report at work or any well-written document.
“Cogent” is not a better phrase than “well-written.” After all, both phrases are suitable to use in a formal setting.
However, saying something is “cogent” comes across as significantly more objective. After all, this term tends to focus on the observable impact a certain document has had on its reader.
“Well-written,” on the other hand, comes across as more of a matter of opinion.
Have a look at this email sample to see how you might use this phrase during work hours:
Dear Aphelele,
I want to congratulate you on the cogent assessment you have provided.
I will forward it to the right channels for further examination.
Yours sincerely,
Arthur
You can also use this phrase in an academic setting. For example, you can use it to describe a well-written essay from one of your students or peers.
Check out this example to see what we mean:
Rasheed has written a very cogent argumentative essay on this topic, and I hope to see more of his work.
Engrossing (Informal)
Another way to say “well-written” is “engrossing.”
You can use this synonym to describe a well-written piece of literature, poetry, or any other creative work.
Essentially, when a story is “engrossing,” this means that it draws the reader in and captures their full attention.
Therefore, this is high praise for any author to receive!
“Engrossing” is just as good a phrase as “well-written.” However, this synonym comes across as a bit more effusive.
After all, calling something “well-written” tends to refer to the syntax and structure of the writing itself.
Saying that a text is “engrossing” implies that the writer is very skilled at evoking emotion through their work.
Therefore, you can use it when you want to be complimentary to the writer.
See how we’ve used this alternative in an example:
I have been reading the most engrossing book written by Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa.
Although we usually use this term when discussing creative writing, you can also use it in some professional situations.
For example, you may use it to describe a well-written article if you work in journalism or academia.
See the email example below:
Dear Dorothy,
I found your article about cobalt mining in the DRC both harrowing and engrossing.
Very good work!
Kind regards,
Shannon
Is It Correct to Say “Well-Written”?
It is perfectly correct to say that a text, document, or book is “well-written.”
This phrase uses plain and clear language, making it a good option to go with in both a professional and academic setting.
Additionally, this phrase is very complimentary. However, you can use it to commend good writing at work without being overly expressive.
If you’re wondering whether “well-written” should always be hyphenated, we’ll discuss that next!
Essentially, both “well written” and “well-written” are correct. Whether you should hyphenate this phrase depends on the surrounding context.
When you’re using it as a compound adjective before a noun, you should hyphenate it like so:
- It’s a very well-written script.
However, you can drop the hyphen when this phrase follows a verb or adverb:
- His novels are not well written.
If you think this article was well written, or you think you might make use of our list of synonyms in the future, feel free to bookmark this page!