What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cage
Example
The lion was pacing back and forth in its cage at the zoo. [cage: noun]
Example
She decided to cage her pet rabbit to keep it safe from predators. [cage: verb]
pen
Example
The farmer herded the sheep into the pen for shearing. [pen: noun]
Example
He used a pen to write a letter to his friend. [pen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cage is more commonly used than pen in everyday language, especially when referring to animal enclosures. Pen is more specific and less commonly used, mainly in the context of farming or writing instruments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cage and pen?
Both cage and pen can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, pen can also be associated with a more formal tone when referring to writing instruments.
