In pen or with pen
I saw the above question on Quora website.
Shouldn't it be with pencil or pen?
Which one is correct and why?
Why isn't there any article "a" before the noun pen as it's countable?
Top answer
We commonly refer to writing 'in pen' or 'in pencil' - it doesn't need a determiner. However, you would need 'a' if you use 'with'.
- We commonly refer to writing 'in pen' or 'in pencil' - it doesn't need a determiner.
- However, you would need 'a' if you use 'with'.
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We commonly refer to writing 'in pen' or 'in pencil' - it doesn't need a determiner.
However, you would need 'a' if you use 'with'.
0"in pen" is a special expression (no article) that is equivalent to "in ink". By extension, "in pencil" is used when you are not writing "in ink". Likewise, you can even "write in chalk" or "write in blood".
"with a pen" and "with a pencil" are also possible if you want to focus on the tool for writing rather than on the substance that goes onto the paper. Likewise, you can "write wit
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