The average person hasn't written by hand for 41 days, and one in three hasn't had reason to handwrite anything for six months, a British survey found.

Creating a shopping list, taking notes in a meeting or even wishing someone a happy birthday are more often done electronically as an e-mail or text message, the survey by British printing and mailing company Docmail found.

"It's a shame that handwriting is in general decline, but that's come about from the need for convenience and communication that is clear and quick," Docmail Managing Director Dave Broadway told 72Point.com.

Two thirds of the 2,000 people surveyed said if they do still handwrite something, it's usually for their eyes only as a scribbled reminder or a quick note.

"People by habit will always look for shortcuts or to make their life easier, and that's the reason technology is so prominent in our everyday lives," Broadway said.

More than half of the respondents in the study admitted their handwriting has noticeably declined over time, and one in seven people said they were ashamed of the quality of their handwriting.

"Technology puts everyone on a level playing field when it comes to the ability to communicate clearly," Broadway said.

"But even if [handwriting's] usefulness is reduced, it's important that people maintain their ability to communicate without a full reliance on technology."