1 C1 idiomatic neutral
to calculate or estimate something roughly
"We penciled out the costs before talking to the client."
separable
pencil out
C1 neutral separable transitive
to sketch or calculate something roughly in writing
In plain English
to draw or figure something out roughly with a pencil
What does "pencil out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to sketch or draft something roughly
"She penciled out a quick layout for the garden."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to write or draw something out in pencil
Actually means
to draw or figure something out roughly with a pencil
Usage tip
Rare in modern general English. More likely in older, regional, or business/planning language.
Words that pair with "pencil out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
figures plan design budget outline
How to conjugate "pencil out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pencil out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pencils out
he/she/it
Past simple
penciled out
yesterday
Past participle
penciled out
have + pp
-ing form
penciling out
continuous
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