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could use a pen
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
need a breather
deserve a respite
could use a lesson
could become a break
could use a bard
could take a break
could use a shot
could use a refill
could make a break
could use a miracle
could use a boost
require some downtime
could use a vacation
could use a break
need to rest
could use a morale
could use a time
require a moment to recharge
would benefit from a pause
could use a hand
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
I could use a pen pal".
News & Media
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
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.
Wiki
Using this technology, an insurance professional could use a digital pen that interacts directly with back-end processing systems.
News & Media
You could use a fabric pens or paints to draw your own image or you could make or buy a patch to sew on.
Wiki
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
"I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad -- I couldn't even use a pen".
News & Media
Did you use a pen?
News & Media
How often do they use a pen?
News & Media
Actually, use a pen.
News & Media
Use a pen name?
News & Media
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.
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).
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
need a pen
Direct statement of need, more concise.
require a pen
More formal way to express the need for a pen.
could do with a pen
Similar meaning, but uses a slightly more colloquial expression.
would benefit from a pen
Emphasizes the advantage of having a pen.
might need a pen
Expresses a possibility of needing a pen.
could utilize a pen
Formal alternative, emphasizing the action of using the pen.
a pen would be helpful
Indirect way of stating the need, focusing on the helpfulness of a pen.
a pen is needed
Passive voice, stating the requirement for a pen.
I'm looking for a pen
Expresses the act of searching for a pen.
I need to borrow a pen
Indicates needing a pen temporarily.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested