put

put — verb

1. to place a person or object in a particular location, or to send it toward a spe

1.verbtransitiveA1
Definition

to place a person or object in a particular location, or to send it toward a specific point.

Example

Minh put her keys in the wooden bowl by the front door.

put + noun + in/on/at + location

The librarian put the heavy books back on the shelf.

Common collocations
  • put something down/somewhere/in place
  • put something on the table/shelf/floor
  • put something in a box/bag/pocket
  • put something back (return to original place)
Synonyms
  • place

    more formal and deliberate; 'place' often suggests careful positioning

  • set

    suggests placing something in a prepared or upright position

  • position

    emphasises precise or strategic placement

Antonyms
  • remove

    the opposite action of taking something away from a place

  • take away

    informal opposite of placing something somewhere

Grammar Patterns

put + noun + preposition/adverb of place

Usage Note

In this sense, 'put' always requires a phrase or adverb that tells WHERE the object goes. You cannot say 'I put the book' without adding a location. The pattern is 'put + object + location'.

Common Mistakes

Please put your bag.
Please put your bag on the hook by the door.
'put' must be followed by a place, direction, or position phrase.

2. to note information on a surface by writing it, such as on paper or a digital do

2.verbtransitiveA2
Definition

to note information on a surface by writing it, such as on paper or a digital document.

Example

Put your full name and address at the top of the page.

Ilan put a reminder on the fridge so his family would see it.

put + noun + on + surface

Common collocations
  • put your name/signature on
  • put something in writing
  • put a note on
  • put something down on paper
Synonyms
  • write

    more general and direct; does not need a location phrase

  • note down

    emphasises recording information for later reference

  • jot down

    informal; suggests quick or brief writing

Grammar Patterns

put + noun + in/on/down + surface

Usage Note

Often used for filling in forms, leaving written reminders, or signing documents. Common prepositions include 'in', 'on', 'down', and 'into'.

Common Mistakes

I put my homework but forgot the title.
I put my name on the homework but forgot the title.
When using 'put' for writing, you still need to say where or on what you wrote.

3. to choose particular words to communicate a thought, feeling, or idea to someone

3.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to choose particular words to communicate a thought, feeling, or idea to someone.

Example

How can I put this gently without hurting his feelings?

how can I put + adverb

To put it simply, the project costs far more than we expected.

to put it simply / mildly / bluntly

Common collocations
  • put it simply / mildly / bluntly / kindly
  • put something into words
  • put it another way
  • put one's thoughts/feelings into words
Synonyms
  • express

    more formal; 'express' does not carry the self-aware tone that 'put' can have

  • state

    more direct and factual; less about careful wording

  • phrase

    focuses specifically on the choice and arrangement of words

Grammar Patterns

put + noun/adverb + in words / another way

put it + adverb (mildly, simply, bluntly)

Usage Note

This sense is very common in fixed expressions such as 'to put it mildly', 'to put it bluntly', 'how shall I put it?', and 'let me put it this way'. The speaker is commenting on their own choice of words.

Common Mistakes

He put his feelings but nobody understood.
He put his feelings into words, but nobody understood.
When the object is abstract, 'into words' or an equivalent phrase is usually needed.

4. to state an amount that you believe represents the real financial worth or cost

4.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to state an amount that you believe represents the real financial worth or cost of something.

Example

The expert put the painting's value at over fifty thousand pounds.

put + noun + at + amount

Meera would put the cost of repairs at around three hundred dollars.

Common collocations
  • put a value/price on something
  • put something at [amount]
  • put a figure on something
  • put something on the market for
Synonyms
  • estimate

    more formal; 'estimate' can function as a verb without a following preposition

  • value

    specifically about financial worth; used as a verb with 'at'

  • assess

    more systematic and formal; often used in professional contexts

Grammar Patterns

put + noun + at + amount

Usage Note

Common in auctions, insurance assessments, and negotiations. The preposition 'at' introduces the estimated amount. The pattern 'put a figure on something' is a fixed expression used when exact numbers are hard to determine.

Common Mistakes

I put the house cost.
I put the cost of the house at about $300,000.
'put' needs 'at' (or 'on the market for') to introduce the estimated number.

5. to present information or an opinion in a particular style or from a specific an

5.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to present information or an opinion in a particular style or from a specific angle, often using set discourse phrases to signal how the speaker wants the message understood.

Example

To put it mildly, the hotel room was far too small for four guests.

to put it mildly / bluntly / charitably

When you put it that way, I understand why you made that choice.

when you put it that way

Common collocations
  • to put it simply / mildly / bluntly / charitably
  • when you put it that way
  • put simply / put bluntly
  • put something in a good/bad/different light
Synonyms
  • describe

    broader and more neutral; does not carry the same self-commentary function

  • frame

    emphasises the angle or perspective chosen, similar to this sense of 'put'

Grammar Patterns

to put it + adverb (simply, mildly, bluntly, charitably)

put + clause + way / perspective

Usage Note

This sense is almost entirely restricted to fixed framing expressions. It does not work with a direct object in the ordinary way. Key frames are: 'to put it + adverb', 'put simply/bluntly', 'when you put it that way', and 'put + noun + in a ... light'.

Common Mistakes

I am putting my view simply.
To put it simply, I disagree with the plan.
This sense uses fixed discourse frames, not regular verb-object structures.

6. to make a person or thing experience a particular condition, change, or result.

6.verbtransitiveA2
Definition

to make a person or thing experience a particular condition, change, or result.

Example

The doctor's calm voice put the patient at ease before the treatment.

put + noun + at ease / at risk / in danger

Paloma's kind words put a warm smile on her mother's face.

Common collocations
  • put someone at ease / at risk / in danger
  • put something into action / into practice
  • put someone in a good/bad mood
  • put someone out of business / out of work
  • put a smile on someone's face
  • put something to use / to the test
Synonyms
  • cause

    more direct and formal; 'cause' does not require a resulting state phrase

  • make

    more general and informal; 'make' is followed by an adjective or verb, not usually a prepositional phrase

  • subject

    formal and often negative; 'subject someone to' implies something imposed

Antonyms
  • prevent

    stops something from happening rather than causing a state

  • relieve

    opposite of putting someone under pressure or in difficulty

Grammar Patterns

put + noun + adjective (at ease, at risk, out of business)

put + noun + prepositional phrase (in a mood, into action)

Usage Note

This sense follows the pattern 'put + object + state/condition'. The state is expressed as an adjective phrase ('at ease', 'at risk'), a prepositional phrase ('in a mood', 'into action'), or a result noun phrase ('a smile on ... face'). Unlike 'make' + adjective, 'put' suggests a more gradual or situational change.

Common Mistakes

The news put me.
The news put me in a difficult situation.
The result state or condition must be stated; 'put' cannot stand alone after the object.

7. to start using a plan, system, or set of skills so that it becomes active or eff

7.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to start using a plan, system, or set of skills so that it becomes active or effective

Example

Haruto put a new safety plan into action after the fire drill.

put + plan/action + into action/effect

It took the staff three months to put the new computer system into operation.

put + system + into operation

Common collocations
  • put a plan into action
  • put a law into effect
  • put a system into operation
  • put a skill to use
  • put a method into practice
Synonyms
  • implement

    More formal; used mainly for official policies or systems

  • apply

    Focuses on using something for a practical purpose rather than starting a system

Grammar Patterns

put + something + into + effect / operation / practice

put + something + to + use

Usage Note

Commonly used in fixed phrases like 'put something into action', 'put something into practice', and 'put something to use'. The object is typically a plan, system, law, skill, or idea.

Common Mistakes

They put the new rule in operation.
They put the new rule into operation.
The correct preposition is 'into', not 'in', in this fixed expression.

8. to decide the value, quality, or importance of someone or something by comparing

8.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to decide the value, quality, or importance of someone or something by comparing them with similar people or things

Example

The judge put the safety of the children before any financial concerns.

put + noun + before + noun — prioritising

Most critics put this film above the director's earlier work.

Common collocations
  • put something above something else
  • put someone before someone else
  • put someone on a level with someone
  • put something ahead of something
Synonyms
  • rank

    More direct; used for official lists or categories

  • rate

    Often used for scoring or assigning a numerical value

Grammar Patterns

put + someone/something + above/below/before/ahead of + noun phrase

put + someone/something + on a level/par with + noun phrase

Usage Note

The object is often an abstract noun (safety, value, quality) or a person. The comparison is usually introduced by 'above', 'before', 'ahead of', or 'on a level with'.

Common Mistakes

I put this book better than that one.
I put this book above that one.
Use a preposition like 'above' or 'before', not 'better than', after 'put' in this sense.

9. to sail away from land and begin a journey on a ship across the ocean

9.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to sail away from land and begin a journey on a ship across the ocean

Example

The fishing boats put to sea at dawn every morning.

put to sea — set sail

Despite the storm warnings, the crew put out to sea with their supplies.

Common collocations
  • put to sea
  • put out to sea
Synonyms
  • set sail

    More common in modern English; can refer to any boat regardless of size

  • depart

    A general verb for leaving; not specific to sea travel

Antonyms
  • dock

    To arrive at a port and tie up the ship

  • anchor

    To stop the ship in a particular place and lower the anchor

Grammar Patterns

put + to sea

put + out to sea

Usage Note

Used only in the fixed expressions 'put to sea' and 'put out to sea', both meaning to leave a port or harbour and begin a voyage.

10. to push a heavy metal ball called the shot from your shoulder with a strong forw

10.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to push a heavy metal ball called the shot from your shoulder with a strong forward arm movement in the sport of shot put

Example

Haruto put the shot over fourteen metres and won the school competition.

Nala practised putting the shot every evening in the school field.

putting the shot — -ing form in sport context

Common collocations
  • put the shot

Grammar Patterns

put + the shot

Usage Note

This meaning is restricted to the sport of shot put. The object is always 'the shot'. Do not use other objects — 'put the ball', for example, is not correct in this sense.

Common Mistakes

He put the ball over ten metres.
He put the shot over ten metres.
In shot put, the object is always 'the shot', not 'the ball'.

11. to use your time, effort, or money for a particular aim or goal

11.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to use your time, effort, or money for a particular aim or goal

Example

The charity put the donations to immediate use buying food for homeless families.

put + donations + to use — applying resources

If you put your mind to it, you can learn almost any skill.

Common collocations
  • put money to use
  • put effort into something
  • put one's mind to something
  • put energy into something
  • put resources toward something
  • put experience to work
Synonyms
  • devote

    More formal; suggests a stronger personal commitment

  • apply

    Focuses on practical use rather than dedication

  • invest

    Implies an expected return or benefit from the use

Antonyms
  • waste

    To use something without achieving a good result

Grammar Patterns

put + something + to + purpose / use / work

put + oneself + to + noun/-ing

Usage Note

Common in fixed phrases where the object is an abstract resource (time, energy, money, effort, mind) followed by 'to' or 'into' and a purpose. The structure often uses a gerund ('into training') or a noun phrase ('to use').

Common Mistakes

She put her money for buying a house.
She put her money toward buying a house.
Use 'toward' or 'to' for purpose, not 'for'.
Phrasal verbs

put about

phrasal verb

To spread rumors or information about something.

Someone has been putting about false stories about the company.

The news was put about that the school would close.

put above

phrasal verb

To consider someone or something more important than another.

She puts her family above her career.

The manager puts profit above employee well-being.

put across

phrasal verb

To communicate an idea or feeling clearly so that others understand it.

The speaker put across her message very effectively.

Can you put across this concept in simple words?

put aside

phrasal verb

To save something, especially money, for future use, or to ignore a problem temporarily.

We put aside some money each month for a vacation.

Let's put aside our differences and work together.

put at

phrasal verb

To estimate an amount, number, or value of something.

The damage was put at over one million dollars.

Experts put the crowd at around fifty thousand people.

put away

phrasal verb

To store something in its proper place, or to send someone to prison or a mental hospital.

Please put away your toys before dinner.

The judge put the criminal away for ten years.

put back

phrasal verb

To return something to its original place, or to delay something.

After reading, put the book back on the shelf.

The meeting was put back to next week.

put before

phrasal verb

To present something for someone to consider or decide on.

The proposal was put before the board of directors.

She put her ideas before the committee for approval.

put behind you

phrasal verb

To forget about an unpleasant experience and move on.

After the divorce, she put the past behind her.

You need to put that failure behind you and try again.

put by

phrasal verb

To save money for future use.

He puts by a small amount from each paycheck.

We have put by enough money for a down payment.

put down

phrasal verb

To place something on a surface, or to criticize someone, or to kill an animal painlessly.

Put down that heavy bag and rest.

The vet had to put down the old dog.

put down as

phrasal verb

To consider someone to be a particular type of person, often based on first impressions.

I put him down as a shy person, but he was actually very outgoing.

She was put down as the new manager's assistant.

put down for

phrasal verb

To record someone's name on a list, especially for a contribution or activity.

Put me down for twenty dollars for the gift.

The teacher put the students down for the field trip.

put down to

phrasal verb

To attribute something to a particular cause.

I put his bad mood down to lack of sleep.

The accident was put down to driver error.

put forth

phrasal verb

To suggest or present an idea, plan, or argument for consideration.

The scientist put forth a new theory about climate change.

She put forth several proposals to improve efficiency.

put forward

phrasal verb

To suggest someone or something for a position or consideration.

The committee put forward Mr. Lee as the new chairperson.

She put forward a plan to reduce costs.

put in

phrasal verb

To spend time or effort doing something, or to install equipment.

She put in many hours of practice before the concert.

They put in a new kitchen last year.

put in for

phrasal verb

To formally apply for something, such as a job or a transfer.

He put in for a transfer to the Tokyo office.

I'm going to put in for the manager position.

put into

phrasal verb

To add something to something else, or to invest time, effort, or money in something.

She put all her energy into the project.

How much money did you put into the business?

put off

phrasal verb

To delay doing something, or to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm.

Don't put off your homework until tomorrow.

The bad weather put us off going to the beach.

put on

phrasal verb

To dress oneself in clothing, or to start operating a device, or to pretend to have a feeling.

Put on your coat before going outside.

She put on a brave face despite being nervous.

put onto

phrasal verb

To give someone information about something or to connect them with someone useful.

My friend put me onto a great new restaurant.

Can you put me onto a good mechanic?

put out

phrasal verb

To extinguish a fire or light, or to inconvenience someone, or to produce something for release.

The firefighters put out the blaze quickly.

The company put out a statement about the recall.

put over

phrasal verb

To communicate an idea or message successfully, similar to 'put across'.

The comedian put over his jokes with great timing.

She managed to put over her point despite the interruptions.

put through

phrasal verb

To connect someone by telephone, or to make someone experience something difficult.

Please put me through to the manager.

The training put us through a lot of stress.

put to

phrasal verb

To ask someone a question or present something for their consideration.

I put the question to the panel.

The proposal was put to a vote.

put together

phrasal verb

To assemble or create something by combining parts or elements.

He put together a model airplane from a kit.

We need to put together a plan for the event.

put towards

phrasal verb

To use money for a particular purpose, especially as a contribution.

She put her bonus towards a new car.

All donations will be put towards the charity fund.

put up

phrasal verb

To raise something to a higher position, or to build something, or to provide lodging.

They put up a tent in the backyard.

Can you put us up for the night?

put up for

phrasal verb

To offer something for sale or auction, or to nominate someone for a position.

They put their house up for sale.

She was put up for class president.

put up to

phrasal verb

To encourage or persuade someone to do something, often something wrong.

His friends put him up to playing a prank.

Who put you up to this?

put up with

phrasal verb

To tolerate or endure something annoying or unpleasant.

I can't put up with his constant complaining.

She put up with the noise for as long as she could.

put yourself out

phrasal verb

To make an effort to do something helpful for someone, often at personal inconvenience.

She really put herself out to help us move.

Don't put yourself out on my account.

put yourself up for

phrasal verb

To offer yourself as a candidate for a position or election.

He put himself up for the role of team leader.

She decided to put herself up for student council.

Idioms

put it about

idiom

This means to have sex with many different people.

Sara's friends say she puts it about a lot.

Diego was known to put it about during college.

put it to somebody that…

idiom

You use this to suggest something to someone and challenge them to argue against it.

I put it to you that you stole the money.

The lawyer put it to the witness that he was lying.

put one over on somebody

idiom

This means to trick someone into believing something false.

Min tried to put one over on the teacher with a fake excuse.

Don't think you can put one over on me so easily.

put somebody through it

idiom

This means to make someone experience something very difficult or unpleasant.

The coach really put us through it during practice today.

Aiden's parents put him through it with all those questions.

put together

idiom

This is used to compare one person or thing with a group, meaning 'combined' or 'in total'.

Our team scored more goals than the other three put together.

Maya's salary is higher than all her coworkers' put together.

put up or shut up

idiom

You use this to tell someone to stop talking and actually do what they say they will do.

If you think you can win, put up or shut up.

The manager told the team to put up or shut up about their complaints.

put — noun

put — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Put is the most neutral, general, and frequent of these verbs — it can substitute for any of the others in everyday speech without sounding odd. Place suggests deliberate, careful positioning (e.g., 'She placed the vase exactly in the centre of the table'). Set implies putting something upright or in a prepared spot (e.g., 'He set the plates on the table before dinner'). Lay is restricted to horizontal placement on a surface (e.g., 'They laid the baby gently on the changing table'). Position emphasises precise or strategic arrangement (e.g., 'The photographer positioned the model near the window for better light'). For learners: use put for everyday situations, and choose the more specific verb when you want to highlight how or where something is being placed.

place ↗set ↗lay ↗position ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • to put it mildly / simply / bluntly / charitably
  • put it another way
  • when you put it that way
  • how shall I put it?
  • put something into words
  • put something in writing
  • put in place
  • put to the test
  • put into effect / action / operation
  • put someone at ease / at risk
  • put something to use / to work
  • put one's mind to something
  • put a figure on something

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Old English putian ('to push, thrust'), of uncertain origin — possibly related to a Germanic root meaning 'to thrust or poke'. The core sense of physically placing something dates from the Old English period. From the late Middle English period onward, the word developed a wide range of figurative uses (expressing ideas, estimating value, causing states) that now account for most of its modern senses.