What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sketchpad
Example
She carried her sketchpad with her everywhere she went. [sketchpad: noun]
Example
He quickly sketched out his design on the sketchpad before starting the final draft. [sketched: past tense verb]
notepad
Example
I always keep a notepad and pen in my bag for jotting down ideas. [notepad: noun]
Example
She wrote down the phone number on her notepad so she wouldn't forget it. [notepad: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notepad is more commonly used than sketchpad in everyday language. Notepad is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sketchpad is less common and refers specifically to a pad of paper used for drawing or sketching.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sketchpad and notepad?
Both sketchpad and notepad are relatively informal words, but notepad may be slightly more formal due to its association with professional or academic settings.