Pen

A narrow barrel, tip, and ink line characterize the writing instrument.

Visual traits

• narrow barrel
• pen tip
• ink line

Expected changes

• A pen tip and narrow barrel become more likely
• A drawing or writing context becomes more likely

Definition

A pen is a writing instrument that uses ink to make lines or text on a support. It does not specify a pencil, brush, particular written content, typeface, or brand.

In more detail

A narrow barrel, tip, and ink line make a pen recognizable. Fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and dip pens differ in structure; no one type is presumed.

Includes

• A pen used for ink writing or line drawing

Excludes

• Pencils
• paintbrushes
• particular written content or typeface
• a product from a particular brand

What this does not imply

• Legible prose
• a particular language or typeface
• a brand
• pencils or paintbrushes

Variability

Tip, barrel, and line width vary by pen type and use.

Usage

• Specify as a line-making tool; specify text content separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish from ink as material and from a paintbrush

Typical uses

• Pen-line drawing
• A scene including a writing instrument at hand

Possible failure modes

• It becomes a pencil or paintbrush
• Unintended legible text appears