How Do You Spell PEN?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛn] (IPA)

The word "pen" is spelled with the letters P-E-N. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /pɛn/. The initial sound is a voiceless bilabial plosive /p/, followed by an open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/, and ends with a nasal consonant /n/. The spelling of this word is straightforward and does not pose any major difficulties for most English speakers. However, it may be challenging for individuals with language difficulties or those learning English as a second language.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

PEN Meaning and Definition

  1. A pen is a handheld writing instrument that is used for marking or making permanent ink impressions on paper or other surfaces. It typically consists of a hollow tube made of plastic, metal, or other materials, with an ink cartridge or reservoir inside. At one end of the pen, there is a small ball, usually made of steel or tungsten carbide, which rotates freely. As the pen is moved across a surface, the ball picks up ink from the reservoir and transfers it onto the surface, leaving a clear and smooth line of ink.

    Pens come in various types, including ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens, and gel pens, each with its own unique characteristics and writing performance. Ballpoint pens are the most commonly used type, known for their convenience, durability, and resistance to smudging. Rollerball pens, on the other hand, offer a smoother and more fluid writing experience due to the use of liquid ink. Fountain pens have a traditional and elegant design, utilizing a nib and ink flow system that requires manual dipping or cartridge refilling. Gel pens feature a gel-based ink that delivers vibrant and vivid colors.

    Pens are widely utilized for writing, note-taking, drawing, and signing documents in a variety of settings, such as schools, offices, and personal use. The versatility and ease of use offered by pens have made them an essential tool for daily communication and expression of ideas.

  2. • An instr. for writing, formerly almost wholly of quills, now commonly of metal.
    • To write; to compose and commit to paper; to indite.
    • A small enclosure for sheep, fowls, &c.; a coop; a reservoir for water.
    • To confine in a pen or in a narrow place; to coop; to incage.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PEN *

  • pem 28.5714285%
  • ped 28.5714285%
  • pein 14.2857142%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PEN

Etymology of PEN

The word "pen" has its origins in the Latin word "penna", which means "feather". In the Middle Ages, writing implements known as quills were commonly used, made from the flight feathers of birds. These quills were trimmed to a point and used for writing. Over time, the term "pen" came to be associated with any instrument used for writing, regardless of the material it was made from. Thus, the word "pen" has its roots in the connection between early writing implements and feathers.

Idioms with the word PEN

  • in the bull pen The idiom "in the bull pen" typically refers to being in a position of readiness or preparation, often in the context of sports or business. It originates from baseball, where the bull pen is the area where relief pitchers warm up before entering the game. Therefore, "in the bull pen" means being on standby or waiting for an opportunity to take action.
  • dip your pen in gall The idiom "dip your pen in gall" typically means to write or speak with extreme bitterness, hostility, or malice. It suggests expressing harsh or vengeful words towards someone or something.
  • pen is mightier than the sword The idiom "the pen is mightier than the sword" means that written or spoken words, ideas, and arguments have a greater influence and power to bring about change, than the use of force or violence. This phrase highlights the impact and effectiveness of persuasive communication, particularly through writing, in shaping public opinion, inspiring revolutions, and transforming societies.
  • put pen to paper The idiom "put pen to paper" means to begin writing or to start documenting one's thoughts or ideas on paper. It refers to the physical act of using a pen to write down words or thoughts in a formal or official manner. It commonly implies the initiation of a writing process or the creation of a written document.
  • at the stroke of a pen The idiom "at the stroke of a pen" refers to the immediate and decisive action taken by a person in power or authority with a simple signature or written command. It suggests that something can be done or changed quickly and effortlessly, solely through the act of writing or signing an official document.
  • the pen is mightier than the sword The idiom "the pen is mightier than the sword" means that written or spoken words have more power and influence than physical force or violence. It emphasizes the idea that persuasive communication, such as writing or speaking, can achieve more significant and lasting impact on people's thoughts, beliefs, and actions than the use of force or aggression.
  • pen (sm or an animal) up The idiom "pen (someone or an animal) up" means to confine or restrict someone or something within a small space or enclosure. It implies the act of isolating or limiting their movement or freedom. It often refers to keeping animals or livestock in pens or enclosures, but can also be used metaphorically for restricting someone's liberty or confining them physically or emotionally.
  • put/set pen to paper The idiom "put/set pen to paper" means to start writing something. It refers to the physical act of picking up a pen and beginning to write on a blank sheet of paper. It is often used to describe the process of initiating or expressing one's thoughts, ideas, or feelings through writing.
  • pen (sm or an animal) in (sm place) The idiom "pen (someone or an animal) in (somewhere)" refers to the act of confining or trapping someone or something in a particular place. It implies restraining or preventing them from freely moving or escaping.
  • a pen pusher The idiom "a pen pusher" refers to someone who works in an administrative or bureaucratic role, typically involving a lot of paperwork or desk work. It often implies that the person's work may be seen as unadventurous, uncreative, or lacking in real-world impact.
  • dip (one's) pen in gall The idiom "dip (one's) pen in gall" refers to an act of writing or expressing oneself with great bitterness, anger, or hostile intent. It implies using language or words that are harsh, venomous, or spiteful. It suggests a malicious or vengeful tone in writing or communication.
  • a poison pen letter The idiom "a poison pen letter" refers to a malicious, vitriolic, or hate-filled letter written or sent anonymously with the intention to harm, upset, or slander someone. It is typically used to describe a strongly worded, abusive, or character assassination letter that seeks to damage the reputation or emotional well-being of the recipient.
  • a slip of the pen/tongue A "slip of the pen" is a mistake in writing or typing, while a "slip of the tongue" is a mistake in speaking.
  • poison-pen letter A poison-pen letter is a letter or message that contains malicious, spiteful, and often anonymous comments or accusations intended to harm or upset the recipient.

Similar spelling words for PEN

Plural form of PEN is PENS

Conjugate verb Pen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have penned
you would have penned
he/she/it would have penned
we would have penned
they would have penned
I would have pen
you would have pen
he/she/it would have pen
we would have pen
they would have pen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been penning
you would have been penning
he/she/it would have been penning
we would have been penning
they would have been penning

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would pen
you would pen
he/she/it would pen
we would pen
they would pen

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be penning
you would be penning
he/she/it would be penning
we would be penning
they would be penning

FUTURE

I will pen
you will pen
he/she/it will pen
we will pen
they will pen

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be penning
you will be penning
he/she/it will be penning
we will be penning
they will be penning

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have penned
you will have penned
he/she/it will have penned
we will have penned
they will have penned

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been penning
you will have been penning
he/she/it will have been penning
we will have been penning
they will have been penning

IMPERATIVE

you pen
we let´s pen

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to pen

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was penning
you were penning
he/she/it was penning
we were penning
they were penning

PAST PARTICIPLE

penned

PAST PERFECT

I had penned
you had penned
he/she/it had penned
we had penned
they had penned

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been penning
you had been penning
he/she/it had been penning
we had been penning
they had been penning

PRESENT

I pen
you pen
he/she/it pens
we pen
they pen

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am penning
you are penning
he/she/it is penning
we are penning
they are penning

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

penning

PRESENT PERFECT

I have penned
you have penned
he/she/it has penned
we have penned
they have penned

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been penning
you have been penning
he/she/it has been penning
we have been penning
they have been penning

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it pen

SIMPLE PAST

I penned
you penned
he/she/it penned
we penned
they penned

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Correct spelling for pen
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