Dear R:

You wrote:

Hi there,

I hope you can help settle an argument that my friend and I are having.

When describing a pen, my friend believes that calling it a writing utensil is correct, while I believe that the term writing implement would be more appropriate.

Which should be used in this context?

Thanks,
R

Without meaning to sound wishy-washy, either would work. The term “writing implement” is more commonly used. However, both words mean “tool,” so either would be fine. When you examine the roots, “implement” literally means “something which helps to complete”; “utensil” literally means “something meant to be used.” In the spirit of the holidays, it is not worth arguing over.

I hope this helps.