What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penning
Example
She was penning a love letter to her partner. [penning: verb]
Example
The author spent years penning his masterpiece. [penning: gerund or present participle]
writing
Example
I enjoy writing in my journal every day. [writing: noun]
Example
She is writing a novel set in the 19th century. [writing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Writing is more commonly used than penning in everyday language. Writing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penning is less common and refers specifically to the act of writing by hand.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between penning and writing?
Penning can be associated with a more formal or traditional style of writing, while writing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile.
