pencil
A long, thin instrument used for writing or drawing, typically consisting of a thin stick of graphite enclosed in a wooden case. Unlike pens, marks made with this tool can be easily removed using an eraser.
Examples
3 of 5Can I borrow your pencil to write this down?
Can I borrow your pencil to write this down?
Please use a number two pencil for the examination forms.
Please use a number two pencil for the examination forms.
Pass me that pencil; I need to doodle while we talk.
Pass me that pencil; I need to doodle while we talk.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'P' in Pencil: it is for Practice because you can erase it if you make a mistake.
Quick Quiz
If you make a mistake, you can erase it because you are using a ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: pencil
Examples
Can I borrow your pencil to write this down?
everydayCan I borrow your pencil to write this down?
Please use a number two pencil for the examination forms.
formalPlease use a number two pencil for the examination forms.
Pass me that pencil; I need to doodle while we talk.
informalPass me that pencil; I need to doodle while we talk.
The student used a mechanical pencil for the complex geometry diagram.
academicThe student used a mechanical pencil for the complex geometry diagram.
He made a quick sketch with a pencil during the project briefing.
businessHe made a quick sketch with a pencil during the project briefing.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
pencil someone in
to make a tentative appointment with someone
pencil sketch
a rough drawing made with a pencil
pencil-thin
very thin or narrow
Often Confused With
A pen uses permanent ink, whereas a pencil uses erasable graphite.
Usage Notes
When referring to the tool itself, use 'with a pencil'. When referring to the medium or style of writing, use 'in pencil' (e.g., 'Please sign in pencil').
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'write by pencil' instead of the correct prepositional phrases 'write with a pencil' or 'write in pencil'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'P' in Pencil: it is for Practice because you can erase it if you make a mistake.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'pincel', meaning a small paintbrush, from the Latin 'penicillus' which means 'little tail'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many primary education systems, students are required to write exclusively in pencil until they reach a certain grade level to encourage correction of errors.
Quick Quiz
If you make a mistake, you can erase it because you are using a ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: pencil
Related Vocabulary
More Education words
study
A1A study is a room in a house used for quiet work, reading, or writing. It can also refer to a detailed piece of research or investigation into a specific subject or problem.
teach
A1To provide knowledge, instruction, or skills to someone else. It involves explaining a subject or showing a person how to perform a specific action or task.
lesson
A1A lesson is a specific period of time during which a person is taught a particular skill or subject by a teacher. It can also refer to an important piece of information or a moral principle learned through experience.
subject
A1A branch of knowledge studied in a school, college, or university. It refers to the specific area of learning that a student focuses on during a class or course.
grade
A1A mark or score given to a student's work to show how good it is. It also refers to a particular level or year in a school system.
semester
A1A semester is one of the two main periods into which a school or university year is divided. It usually lasts between 15 and 18 weeks and ends with final exams.
math
A1Math is the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns using logic and specific rules. It is a fundamental subject in schools where students learn how to count, calculate, and solve problems.
physics
A1Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and how they interact. It explains how things move and how the universe works, including concepts like gravity, light, and heat.
textbook
A1A textbook is a book that contains standard information about a specific subject used by students for study. It is typically used in schools, colleges, and universities to guide the learning process through structured chapters.
eraser
A1An eraser is a small tool, often made of rubber or plastic, used to remove marks made by pencils or pens. It is a common piece of stationery found in classrooms and offices for correcting mistakes on paper or whiteboards.
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