1 B1 idiomatic neutral
to arrange something tentatively in a schedule or calendar
"Let's pencil in a meeting for Thursday afternoon."
separable
pencil in
B1 neutral separable transitive
to write in a plan or appointment temporarily, knowing it may change
In plain English
to make a plan for now, but not a final one
What does "pencil in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to write something in pencil rather than pen
Actually means
to make a plan for now, but not a final one
Usage tip
Very common for diaries, calendars, and appointments. The idea comes from writing in pencil so it can be erased.
Words that pair with "pencil in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
meeting appointment lunch date visit interview
How to conjugate "pencil in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pencil in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pencils in
he/she/it
Past simple
penciled in
yesterday
Past participle
penciled in
have + pp
-ing form
penciling in
continuous
Hear "pencil in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pencil in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pencil in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
provisionally arrange put down for now schedule tentatively tentatively book
Keep exploring
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