pen
/pen/ UK /pen/ · US /pen/
A short e CVC word (ɛ) in the objects category. It belongs to the -en word family.
objectsHear pen
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “pen”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /p/ – /ɛ/ – /n/ → pen.
Example Sentences with Pen
- Write with a pen.
- The pen is blue.
- Write your name with a pen.
- The pen is on the desk.
- Can I borrow your pen?
How to Spell “pen”
Children most often write this word as pan, pen, pne. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- A short vowel plus "n" keeps the vowel short, so "pen" has no silent e at the end.
- Air is a good helper: /p/ needs a puff of air, /b/ does not.
- Practise on the "e" sound: bed, hen, net, pen, red, ten.
Phonics Tip for Pen
Children often swap p and b because they are mirror images. Practise the "puppy and baby" trick — p needs a puff of air, b needs a pop on the lips.
Fun Facts About Pen
The modern ballpoint pen was patented in 1888 by John J. Parker, but the first writing pens date back to ancient Egypt, where scribes reed pens cut from bamboo were dipped in ink.
More Words in the -en Family
Words that rhyme with pen and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short e sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Pen
- All short e CVC words — 31 words
- The -en word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets