pen and a paper vs pen and paper

Both 'pen and a paper' and 'pen and paper' are commonly used phrases in English. However, 'pen and paper' is the more widely accepted and concise version. It is the preferred choice when referring to the tools needed for writing.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 2113 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in comparison to 'pen and paper'.

"pen and a paper"

This phrase is used to refer to the tools needed for writing, specifically a pen and a sheet of paper. It is grammatically correct but less common than the alternative 'pen and paper'.

Examples:

I need a pen and a paper to write down the address.
She always carries a pen and a paper in her bag.
Do you have a pen and a paper I can borrow?
He reached for a pen and a paper to jot down the phone number.
A pen and a paper are essential for taking notes in class.

Show examples from the web [+]

I didn't have a penny to pay. So, I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign. I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' ...
So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign. I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine." Wooo! Sign, sign ...
So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own fuckin' sign. I said, "Thank you Lord for thinking 'bout me, I'm alive and doing fine", oh [Chorus 2x] Yes!
Dec 9, 2011 ... So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign. I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine." Wooo!

Alternatives:

pen and paper
a pen and paper
paper and pen
paper and a pen
writing tools

This phrase is the more commonly used and accepted version when referring to writing tools.

"pen and paper"

This phrase is the standard way to refer to the tools needed for writing, specifically a pen and a sheet of paper. It is concise and widely understood in English.

Examples:

I always carry a pen and paper with me.
She asked for a pen and paper to make a quick note.
Do you have a pen and paper I can use?
He grabbed a pen and paper to sketch out his idea.
Pen and paper are essential for writing down thoughts.

Show examples from the web [+]

Joe, take out a pen and paper.
I need a pen and paper.
Think of curves as what you might get by drawing a graceful line freehand with pen and paper.
Here's the pen and paper stamped for the extension.
You might want a pen and paper to write it down.
I've always been able to do addition and subtraction without pen and paper.
Exactly, especially when there was pen and paper sitting right beside the laptop.
Mole, get pen and paper...
Other common examples of doodling are produced during long telephone conversations if a pen and paper are available.
A separate team surveyed the same area using pen and paper.
Use pen and paper, not a printed message.
Only one thing remains unchanged: exams are still taken with pen and paper.
Good. I need a pen and paper.
Exactly, especially when there was pen and paper sitting right beside the laptop.
Electronic documents have replaced standard pen and paper.
You will write your code with a pen and paper.
Hurry, I need a pen and paper.
I'll take a pen and paper, if you have one.
And so we decided pen and paper was really important for both of us to journal.
Omar Ahmad: Political change with pen and paper

Alternatives:

pen and a paper
a pen and paper
paper and pen
paper and a pen
writing tools

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pen and a paper vs pen and paper

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