pencil case

Meaning

A 'pencil case' is a small bag, pouch, or box used by students and teachers to store writing tools like pens, pencils, erasers, and rulers. It helps keep school supplies organized inside a backpack or on a classroom desk.

Examples

• Don't forget to pack your pencil case before going to school.

  Don't forget to pack your pencil case before going to school.

• I bought a cute blue pencil case with dinosaurs on it.

  I bought a cute blue pencil case with dinosaurs on it.

• My pencil case is so full that I can't zip it closed.

  My pencil case is so full that I can't zip it closed.

• Can I borrow an eraser from your pencil case?

  Can I borrow an eraser from your pencil case.

• She spilled some ink inside her new fabric pencil case.

  She spilled some ink inside her new fabric pencil case.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I put my pens in my pencils box.

  ✓ I put my pens in my pencil case.

  In compound nouns, the first noun is usually singular. Use 'pencil case' (or 'pencil box' for hard containers), not 'pencils box'.

• ✗ Where is my case of pencils?

  ✓ Where is my pencil case?

  'Case of pencils' sounds like a large commercial box containing dozens of pencils from a store, rather than a student's personal stationery pouch.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to buy a new ___ because my pens are rolling around in my bag.

  💡 A small pouch for stationery.

  Show answer

  pencil case

• He opened his ___ and took out a red pen.

  💡 The container where students keep pens and erasers.

  Show answer

  pencil case