ˈpen.səl ɪn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- pencil
- Particle:
- in
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "pencil in" mean?
To tentatively schedule an appointment
Examples
- Let me pencil you in for Thursday at 2 PM.
- We've penciled in a team lunch for Friday.
- Can we pencil in a follow-up call?
- The conference has been penciled in for September.
How to use it
Indicates arrangement is not yet confirmed.
Word order
Can be separated: 'pencil someone in'.
Similar expressions
tentatively schedule
provisionally book
Opposites
cancel
cross out
Related phrasal verbs
Use it in a practice answer
Try "pencil in" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.