表示“用铅笔写”，英语用 write in pencil 或 writewith a pencil 均可，但以前者为多见，比较而言，in pencil 侧重指书写的材料，witha pencil 侧重指书写的工具。但是注意，当与in ink, in pen并列或对比使用时，宜用in pencil。如：
Should I sign my name in pencil or ink? 我用铅笔还是用钢笔签字?
Do the math problems in pencil, not (in) pen. 用铅笔做数学题，不要用钢笔做。
Examination answers must be written in ink, not in pencil. 考试作答必须用钢笔书写，不能用铅笔。
但是，如果是与with a pen并列或对比，则宜用with a pencil。如：
Should I sign my name with a pencil or (with) a pen? 我用铅笔还是用钢笔签字?
Do the math problems with a pencil, not (with) a pen. 用铅笔做数学题，不要用钢笔做。
Examination answers must be written with a pen, not (with) a pencil.考试作答必须用钢笔书写，不能用铅笔。