ruler and eraser

Meaning

A ruler and eraser are two essential stationery items used in school. A ruler is a straight strip of plastic or wood used to measure lengths and draw straight lines, while an eraser is a small piece of rubber used to remove pencil marks from paper.

Examples

• Can I borrow your ruler and eraser to finish this math homework?

  Can I borrow your ruler and eraser to finish this math homework?

• Every student needs to bring a pencil, ruler and eraser to the geometry class.

  Every student needs to bring a pencil, ruler and eraser to the geometry class.

• I keep my ruler and eraser in my pencil case so I don't lose them.

  I keep my ruler and eraser in my pencil case so I don't lose them.

• Use a ruler and eraser to draw the perfect square and rub out any extra lines.

  Use a ruler and eraser to draw the perfect square and rub out any extra lines.

• The teacher handed out a clean sheet of paper, a ruler and eraser to everyone.

  The teacher handed out a clean sheet of paper, a ruler and eraser to everyone.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need a line maker and a rubber to correct my mistake.

  ✓ I need a ruler and eraser to correct my mistake.

  'Line maker' is not a word; we call it a 'ruler'. While 'rubber' is common in British English, 'eraser' is universally understood, and pairing them as 'ruler and eraser' is standard for classroom supplies.

• ✗ Please give me a ruler and rubber.

  ✓ Please give me a ruler and eraser.

  In American English, 'rubber' is highly informal and usually refers to a condom. To avoid embarrassing misunderstandings, use 'eraser'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To draw a straight line and fix mistakes, you need a ___.

  💡 Two tools: one for measuring/drawing straight lines, one for removing pencil marks

  Show answer

  ruler and eraser

• I bought a new ___ at the bookshop for my drawing class.

  💡 A pair of stationery items used to draw lines and rub out mistakes

  Show answer

  ruler and eraser