quill in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quill in" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a creative or poetic context, perhaps referring to the act of writing or inserting a quill into an inkwell or paper. Example: "With a quill in hand, she began to write her thoughts on the parchment."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Lincoln sits just left of center, proclamation and quill in hand.

The New York Times

For Mr. Quill, in the twilight of his stormy life, it was a resounding last hurrah.

The New York Times

Making the brush would require heating a quill in boiling water, then threading the squirrel fibres into its tip.

The New Yorker

"I have a quill in one hand and a gun in the other," she likes to say.

The New York Times

(He also shows Mary Shelley writing laboriously, with a quill, in her notebook — writing not as concept alone but also as physical exertion).

The New Yorker

Comment on the disappearance of the human handwriting of inkwells, pen wipers, blotters, even ink itself seem about ready to join the quill in some museum of calligraphy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Soljah was the luckiest, escaping with just a few quills in the neck.

Independent

The stifling, unpleasant procedure included inserting quills in his nostrils to allow him to breathe.

The New York Times

Not long ago, on the 15th fairway, we saw these porcupine quills in the semi-rough.

The Guardian - Travel

One of Mr. Mays's first big roles was in another Doug Wright play, "Quills," in 1995.

The New York Times

The porters wear top hats and white gloves, and there are inkwells and gold-tipped quills in the rooms.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical or literary contexts, use "quill in" to evoke a sense of traditional writing methods. For instance, "He sat by the candlelight, a "quill in" hand, ready to transcribe the ancient texts."

Common error

Avoid using "quill in" when describing contemporary writing scenarios. Modern readers may find it anachronistic or overly stylized. Opt for alternatives like "pen in hand" or simply describe the act of writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quill in" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate possession or location, as seen in examples like "Lincoln sits…proclamation and "quill in" hand" from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quill in" is an uncommon prepositional phrase that conjures images of traditional writing practices. While Ludwig AI suggests it can be confusing without context, the phrase is grammatically acceptable. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage is best suited for describing historical or literary scenarios where a quill is the instrument of writing. For contemporary contexts, alternatives like "pen in hand" may be more appropriate. Always consider your audience and the intended tone when deciding whether to use "quill in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pen in hand

Focuses on the instrument of writing being held, similar to the presence of a "quill in" hand.

with pen in hand

Specifies the action of having a writing instrument ready.

writing with a quill

Highlights the act of writing using a quill, changing the focus from possession to action.

using a quill

Emphasizes the tool being employed for writing, less specific about the setting.

with ink and quill

Adds the element of ink, emphasizing the traditional writing tools.

penning with a quill

Uses the verb 'penning' to focus on the act of writing formally.

holding a quill

Simply states the act of holding the quill without necessarily writing.

a quill in their grasp

More descriptive, indicating possession and control of the quill.

dipping a quill in ink

Highlights the action of preparing to write with a quill.

composing with a quill

Focuses on the creation of written works using a quill.

FAQs

How can I use "quill in" in a sentence?

Use "quill in" to describe someone holding a quill, often in a historical or literary context. For example, "The author, with a "quill in" hand, began to write."

What's a good alternative to "quill in"?

Depending on the context, "pen in hand", "writing with a quill", or "using a quill" can serve as effective alternatives.

Is "quill in" appropriate for modern writing?

While grammatically acceptable, "quill in" may sound anachronistic in modern contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use it.

What image does the phrase "quill in" evoke?

"Quill in" typically evokes images of traditional writing, historical settings, and literary endeavors. It's associated with a time when quills were the primary writing instrument.