What does the phrasal verb “pencil in” mean?

What are the definitions of “pencil in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make a provisional appointment.

  I'll PENCIL Thursday night IN, but if anything comes up, give me a ring..

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pencil in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pencil in is to make a provisional or tentative appointment or plan. It means that the appointment or plan is not final and can be changed if needed. For example, it can be used when scheduling a meeting or making plans with friends.

What are the different verb forms of “pencil in”?

Root Verb	pencil in
Third Person Singular Present	pencils in
Present Participle	penciling in
Simple Past	penciled in
Past Participle	penciled in

Example

Can you pencil in a meeting for next week?

Example

She pencils in a lunch date with her friend.

Example

He is penciling in a doctor's appointment for tomorrow.

Example

Yesterday, they penciled in a conference call for Friday.

Example

The event was penciled in for next month, but the date is not confirmed yet.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pencil in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“pencil in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I penciled in a meeting for tomorrow.

Example

She penciled a lunch date in with her friend.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“pencil in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I penciled in a meeting for tomorrow.

Example

She penciled a lunch date in with her friend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pencil in”?

Pencil someone in

To make a tentative appointment with someone.

Example

I penciled her in for a coffee date next week.

Pencil something in

To make a tentative plan or schedule for an event or activity.

Example

We penciled in a family vacation for August, but we haven't booked anything yet.

Pencil in a time

To set a tentative time for an appointment or event.

Example

Let's pencil in 3 pm for our meeting, but I'll confirm the time later.

Good things to know

Does “pencil in” have an informal or formal tone?

Pencil in is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in professional settings when discussing tentative plans or appointments. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use phrases like 'schedule tentatively' or 'make a provisional appointment'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pencil in”?

Synonyms

• schedule tentatively
• book provisionally
• arrange temporarily
• set preliminarily
• plan conditionally

Antonyms

• cancel
• reschedule
• postpone
• delay
• defer