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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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could use a pen

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could use a pen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a need or desire for a pen, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I could use a pen to jot down these important notes during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I could use a pen pal".

News & Media

The New York Times

Eagan points to a 1979 Supreme Court ruling that said that law enforcement could use a "pen register" to see a suspect's call records.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For example, you could use a red pen to graph high temperatures, then use a blue pen to graph low temperatures over the same period on the same graph.

Using this technology, an insurance professional could use a digital pen that interacts directly with back-end processing systems.

News & Media

Forbes

You could use a fabric pens or paints to draw your own image or you could make or buy a patch to sew on.

Amy Traub, policy analyst at the progressive think tank Demos, said the president could use a similar stroke of the pen to encourage more paid leave.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad -- I couldn't even use a pen".

News & Media

Huffington Post

Did you use a pen?

News & Media

The Guardian

How often do they use a pen?

News & Media

Independent

Actually, use a pen.

News & Media

Forbes

Use a pen name?

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could use a pen" to politely express a need for a pen in various situations, from casual note-taking to more formal writing tasks.

Common error

In highly formal contexts, consider more direct alternatives such as "require a pen" or "a pen is needed" to maintain a professional tone. "Could use a pen" is perfectly fine but maybe perceived as too informal.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

79%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could use a pen" functions as a polite request or indirect statement of need. It leverages the modal verb "could" to soften the demand, making it less assertive. Ludwig's examples show it used both literally (needing a writing instrument) and figuratively (needing assistance).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could use a pen" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to politely state the need for a pen. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a request or indirect expression of need, making it versatile for various situations. While suitable for informal and neutral contexts, more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent use in news media and wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability and understandability.

FAQs

What does "could use a pen" mean?

The phrase "could use a pen" means that someone needs or would benefit from having a pen. It's a polite and indirect way of asking for one.

What can I say instead of "could use a pen"?

You can use alternatives like "need a pen", "require a pen", or "could do with a pen" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "could use a pen"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "could use a pen". The structure is standard and follows English grammar rules.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could use a pen"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "could use a pen" in informal and semi-formal situations when you want to politely express that you need a pen. In very formal contexts, consider using more direct alternatives.

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Source & Trust

79%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: