penned by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "penned by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the author of a written work, such as a book, article, or poem. Example: "The novel was penned by a renowned author known for her captivating storytelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were, of course, penned by Donaldson.

The Guardian

Madam Alex is having her story penned by William Stadiem.

The New Yorker

A memo penned by Gilles de Kerchove, the E.U.

The New Yorker

Jessup's monologue, like all of "A Few Good Men," was penned by Aaron Sorkin.

The New Yorker

Runner-Up: The runner-up is a tune penned by Giselle Deziel.

The New Yorker

The lyrics were penned by the Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu.

The New York Times

The series, which was penned by Richard Adams Locke, became known as the Moon Hoax.

The New Yorker

"Unmögliche Heimat" (Impossible Homeland) was penned by Mr Kauders, an American.

The Economist

Therese Raquin is currently the only play on Broadway penned by a woman.

Independent

Hieroglyphic narratives penned by scribes are illustrated with colourful illustrations on rolls of papyrus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's as if I have garnered these details by reading a biography penned by a stranger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "penned by" when you want to give a slightly formal or literary feel to the attribution of authorship. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "penned by" in very casual or informal settings, such as text messages or informal emails. Alternatives like "written by" or "by" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "penned by" functions as a passive construction indicating authorship. It attributes the act of writing or composing to a specific person or entity. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "penned by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote authorship. It carries a slightly more formal and literary tone than simpler alternatives like "written by". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used to indicate the author of a written work. Its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia sources shows its broad applicability. While "penned by" is generally correct, its usage should align with the context to avoid sounding overly formal or dated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

written by

A more common and direct synonym, lacking the slightly formal or literary tone of the original phrase.

authored by

Similar in meaning, but often used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to books or official documents.

composed by

Best used for musical pieces or formal documents, not generally interchangeable for all writing.

created by

Broader term indicating origin or invention, applicable to more than just written works.

drafted by

Specifically refers to the initial writing or preparation of a document.

scripted by

Implies the writing of a script, screenplay or dialogue for a performance.

formulated by

Suggests careful and systematic creation, often used in academic or scientific contexts.

brought to you by

Commonly used for credits and sponsorships, indicating the source or entity that facilitated the work.

contributed by

Indicates a partial contribution to a larger work, rather than sole authorship.

developed by

Indicates that someone has constructed or expanded on an existing idea or concept.

FAQs

What does "penned by" mean?

"Penned by" is a phrase that means "written by". It is often used to give a slightly more formal or literary feel to the attribution of authorship.

What can I say instead of "penned by"?

You can use alternatives like "written by", "authored by", or simply "by" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "penned by" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "penned by" is more suited for formal or literary contexts. For casual or informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "written by".

Is it incorrect to use "penned by" in modern writing?

No, it's not incorrect, but its frequent use might make your writing sound dated or overly formal. Consider your audience and the intended tone.