diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
index a099fe4dd13..f663e9e04a8 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
@@ -1354,7 +1354,7 @@
 	var/pen_info = writing_instrument.get_writing_implement_details()
 	if(!pen_info || (pen_info["interaction_mode"] != MODE_WRITING))
 		if(!silent_if_not_writing_tool)
-			to_chat(src, span_warning("You can't write with the [writing_instrument]!"))
+			to_chat(src, span_warning("You can't write with \the [writing_instrument]!"))
 		return FALSE
 
 	if(!is_literate())
@@ -1371,7 +1371,7 @@
 	var/obj/item/pen/pen = writing_instrument
 
 	if(istype(pen) && pen.requires_gravity)
-		to_chat(src, span_warning("You try to write, but the [writing_instrument] doesn't work in zero gravity!"))
+		to_chat(src, span_warning("You try to write, but \the [writing_instrument] doesn't work in zero gravity!"))
 		return FALSE
 
 	return TRUE