Meaning & use
paper and pen
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Using ordinary paper and a pen rather than a computer or other electronic device.
Grammar: Usually used after a verb or before a noun: write with paper and pen; a paper-and-pen exam.
Patterns
- with paper and pen
- paper-and-pen test
- do something by paper and pen
Some students prefer to take notes with paper and pen.
The exam was paper and pen, so no laptops were allowed.
She still does her accounts by paper and pen.
Common combinations
- paper-and-pen test
- The paper-and-pen test was much harder than the online one.
- with paper and pen
- He solved the math problem with paper and pen.
- paper and pen method
- The paper and pen method is slower but more reliable.
- by paper and pen
- In the past, all records were kept by paper and pen.
Synonyms and how they differ
- handwritten
- Handwritten describes the writing itself; paper and pen describes the method or tools used.
- manual
- Manual means done by hand, often for work; paper and pen is more specific to writing materials.
Opposites
Commonly confused: paper and pen or pen and paper?
paper and pen vs pen and paper
This is the same phrase with the words reversed. Both are common, but 'pen and paper' is slightly more idiomatic in speech.
Practice
The teacher asked us to do the exercise ______ paper and pen.
Choose one answer.
We use 'with' to talk about tools or materials: with paper and pen. 'By' is used for methods like 'by hand', 'on' would need 'on paper', and 'in' does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “paper and pen”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.