What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pen
Example
I need to buy a new pen for taking notes in class. [pen: noun]
Example
She pens her thoughts and feelings in a journal every day. [pens: verb]
quill
Example
The author dipped his quill into the inkwell and began to write. [quill: noun]
Example
She quilled a beautiful design on the wedding invitations. [quilled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pen is more commonly used than quill in everyday language. Pen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while quill is less common and refers to a historical or artistic tool.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pen and quill?
While quill is typically associated with a formal and historical tone, pen is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.