Pen or A pen?

Question

Hi,What would you say, if one asked you, "what's the meaning of pencil?" or "what's the meaning of show?" Would you take these words as a noun or a verb? Should I say, "what's the meaning of a pencil(/show)?" to clarify my statement?Thank you,M

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

What’s the meaning of the noun/verb "pencil/show"?

Canadian45 · Answer

What's the meaning of the noun 'show'?
What's the meaning of the verb 'show'?

Mitsuo23 · Answer

Thank you, people.
M

Mitsuo23 · Answer

Sorry, one more thing.

So, what would you say to ask about the meaning of, say, "notebook." "What's the meaning of the notebook?" Do I need to put "the"?

Thanks again.
M

RandomGuy · Answer

mitsuwao23Do I need to put "the"?

No, don’t use articles with mentioned words.

Canadian45 · Answer

mitsuwao23So, what would you say to ask about the meaning of, say, "notebook." "What's the meaning of the notebook?" Do I need to put "the"? no

'What's a "notebook"?' is a more natural way to ask. (assuming that you know that a notebook is a thing)
What's the meaning of 'unconventional'?

Mitsuo23 · Answer

OK. thank you!

Clive · Answer

A very common form of this question is
eg What does the word 'pencil' mean?

Mitsuo23 · Answer

Hi, Clive.

And how would you judge if he meant the verb pencil or the noun pencil?

Thank you,
M

Clive · Answer

I'd explain both meanings, beginning with the noun as that is the most common usage.

Or I might just explain the noun, and see if that explanation fits his need.

Clive

Pen or A pen?

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