As far as I can think, they mean almost the same thing. I might use them in slightly different contexts. "Take down the notes from the whiteboard/chalkboard." "Write it down on a piece of paper." "Put down your address on the form." They are almost interchangeable, but I would never say, *"Put down your notes from the whiteboard." It wouldn't necessarily be incorrect, though. I would understand the meaning, but it would sound strange.

put down, write down If I could just add to Brian's answer... there are other meanings such as: TAKE DOWN can mean reaching up to grab something, then bringing it down, or the opposite of setting-up a tent, or a fence, etc... take-down (with a hyphen) refers to catching a convict PUT DOWN can mean insulting someone ("I don't like her style of clothing") I can't think of any other meanings for WRITE DOWN

Thank you, Jenna.

I agree 100% with Brian. To add to his explanation, maybe think of "Put down" as an order, or to lay (smth) down/place (smth) down. You can put anything down. A pencil, a phone, even a person! As a side note, we also use the compound word 'put-down' (Meaning an insult... you're putting someone down). - Put down that phone and pay attention to me! 'Write down' is probably the safest to use if your meaning is to take a pen/pencil and write something down. 'Take down' is less of an order than 'put down' and it's used slightly different. - Take down those ugly curtains! - Take down my number (so you can call me) Take down can ALSO be used as a one-word noun: 'takedown' The police and FBI often have takedowns, where the bad guys might be wrestled to the ground with guns in their faces. (Isn't English fun!!!)