What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yards
Example
The football field is 100 yards long. [yards: noun]
Example
The backyard is a great place to have a barbecue. [yard: noun]
Example
The train yard is where the locomotives are kept. [yard: noun]
pen
Example
The pig pen needs to be cleaned out. [pen: noun]
Example
I always carry a pen with me to write down notes. [pen: noun]
Example
The prisoner was placed in a maximum-security pen. [pen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Yards is more commonly used than pen in everyday language, especially in sports or construction contexts. Pen is less common and is usually used in specific contexts, such as animal husbandry or law enforcement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between yards and pen?
Both yards and pen are versatile words that can be used in various formality levels, from casual to formal. However, pen may be more associated with formal or legal contexts due to its use in describing a place where prisoners are held.
