Pencilled vs. Penciled — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Pencilled" and "penciled" both describe something marked with a pencil, but "pencilled" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "penciled" is used in American English.
Difference Between Pencilled and Penciled
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Key Differences
Pencilled is the British English variant used to describe actions involving a pencil, such as drawing or writing, whereas penciled follows the American English convention with a single 'l'. The difference primarily lies in spelling conventions between American and British English.
When documents or sketches are pencilled, they are created using a pencil in British English contexts. On the other hand, in American English, such documents or sketches would be described as having been penciled.
Pencilled often appears in British literature and educational materials, adhering to the spelling norms of regions including the UK, Canada, Australia, and others, while penciled is predominant in American publications and communications.
The verb forms related to pencil markings, such as pencilling (British) and penciling (American), also reflect this difference in the use of 'l' in continuous tense forms, where British English doubles the 'l' before adding -ing, whereas American English does not.
In practical use, whether one writes "The plans were pencilled in" or "The plans were penciled in" depends on the regional spelling preferences, but both convey the same action of tentative or preliminary marking with a pencil.
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Comparison Chart
Number of 'l's
Two ('ll')
One ('l')
Usage
UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
United States
Example in a sentence
The sketches were pencilled.
The sketches were penciled.
Verb forms
Pencilling
Penciling
Common in
British literature
American communications
Compare with Definitions
Pencilled
Marked or written with a pencil.
The architect pencilled the initial design on the blueprint.
Penciled
Scheduled or noted tentatively.
The event is penciled in for Friday.
Pencilled
Scheduled or noted tentatively.
The meeting was pencilled in for next Thursday.
Penciled
Marked or written with a pencil.
He penciled his thoughts in the journal.
Pencilled
Used to describe light, temporary marks.
Directions were pencilled onto the map.
Penciled
Drawn or shaded with a pencil.
The comic strip was quickly penciled by the artist.
Pencilled
Drawn or shaded with a pencil.
The portrait was delicately pencilled.
Penciled
Used to describe light, temporary marks.
Corrections were penciled in the manuscript.
Pencilled
Outlined lightly with a pencil.
She pencilled the margins on her sketch.
Penciled
Outlined lightly with a pencil.
She penciled the area where the photo would be placed.
Pencilled
A narrow, generally cylindrical implement for writing, drawing, or marking, consisting of a thin rod of graphite, colored wax, or similar substance encased in wood or held in a mechanical holder.
Penciled
A narrow, generally cylindrical implement for writing, drawing, or marking, consisting of a thin rod of graphite, colored wax, or similar substance encased in wood or held in a mechanical holder.
Pencilled
Something shaped or used like a pencil, especially a narrow medicated or cosmetic stick
An eyebrow pencil.
Penciled
Something shaped or used like a pencil, especially a narrow medicated or cosmetic stick
An eyebrow pencil.
Pencilled
A style or technique in drawing or delineating.
Penciled
A style or technique in drawing or delineating.
Pencilled
Descriptive skill
"His characters are drawn with a strong pencil" (Henry Hallam).
Penciled
Descriptive skill
"His characters are drawn with a strong pencil" (Henry Hallam).
Pencilled
An artist's brush, especially a fine one.
Penciled
An artist's brush, especially a fine one.
Pencilled
(Physics) A beam of radiant energy in the form of a narrow cone or cylinder.
Penciled
(Physics) A beam of radiant energy in the form of a narrow cone or cylinder.
Pencilled
(Mathematics) A family of geometric objects, such as lines, that have a common property, such as passage through a given line in a given plane.
Penciled
(Mathematics) A family of geometric objects, such as lines, that have a common property, such as passage through a given line in a given plane.
Pencilled
To write or produce by using a pencil.
Penciled
To write or produce by using a pencil.
Pencilled
To mark or color with or as if with a pencil.
Penciled
To mark or color with or as if with a pencil.
Pencilled
(British spelling) pencil
Penciled
(American spelling) pencil
Pencilled
Written or marked with a pencil.
Penciled
Painted, drawn, sketched, or marked with a pencil.
Pencilled
Having pencils of rays; radiated.
Penciled
Radiated; having pencils of rays.
Pencilled
(botany) Marked with fine lines, as if with a pencil.
Penciled
Marked with parallel or radiating lines.
Pencilled
Drawn or written with a pencil;
A penciled sketch
The penciled message
Penciled
Drawn or written with a pencil;
A penciled sketch
The penciled message
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in meaning between "pencilled" and "penciled"?
No, the meaning is the same; the difference is only in spelling.
Can "pencilled" and "penciled" be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably but should conform to regional spelling norms.
What does "pencilled in" mean?
It means to schedule something tentatively, subject to change.
What regions primarily use the "pencilled" spelling?
British English regions such as the UK, Canada, and Australia.
What would be an example of using "penciled" in a professional setting?
"All changes to the contract were penciled in before final approval."
Is "pencilled" considered correct in American English?
In American English, "penciled" is the standard spelling.
How does the spelling change in continuous forms for "pencilled" and "penciled"?
British English uses "pencilling" while American English uses "penciling".
Does the spelling affect how the word is pronounced?
No, both "pencilled" and "penciled" are pronounced the same way.
Why might an American writer choose to use "pencilled"?
They might use it if writing for a publication or audience that prefers British English spelling.
Why does British English often double consonants in words like "pencilled"?
It follows a rule where consonants are often doubled before adding an ending that begins with a vowel when the last syllable is stressed.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
