pre-punch

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitivetechnical

   to make holes or marks in something before a later step, usually with a special tool.

   Grammar: Takes an object: pre-punch the leather before sewing it.

   Patterns

   • pre-punch something
   • pre-punch something before something
   • pre-punch something with something

   The instructions say to pre-punch the belt so the holes are even.

   If you pre-punch the cards, the children can thread them more easily.

   The machine pre-punches the metal sheets before they are bent.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   made or done before a later punching step.

   Grammar: Comes before a noun: pre-punch holes, a pre-punch mark.

   Patterns

   • pre-punch holes
   • pre-punch marks

   The pre-punch holes were slightly too small for the screws.

   A pre-punch mark shows exactly where the drill should go.

Word forms

Common combinations

pre-punch a hole

Use an awl to pre-punch a hole in the fabric.

pre-punch the leather

You should pre-punch the leather before you start stitching.

pre-punch marks

The pre-punch marks help you line up the parts.

pre-punch the paper

The teacher will pre-punch the paper for the younger students.

Synonyms and how they differ

punch

The general verb; pre-punch adds the idea that this is done as an early step.

perforate

More formal and often about making many small holes in a line, as on stamps or tickets.

pierce

Suggests pushing through a surface with a sharp point, not necessarily as a preparation step.

Word family

punch verb

to make a hole with a tool or your fist.

puncher noun

a tool or person that makes holes.

Commonly confused: pre-punch or punch?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pre-punch”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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