I put down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I put down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to placing something on a surface or when expressing the act of writing something down. Example: "After a long day, I finally put down my thoughts in my journal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I put down my camera.

The New York Times - Travel

I put down my fork.

The Guardian

I put down the book.

The New Yorker

I put down the phone.

The New Yorker

I put down the receiver.

The New Yorker

I put down my cutlery.

The Guardian

I put down my Pelikan pen.

The New York Times - Arts

I put down the phone and wept.

The New York Times - Magazine

I put down these memorandums of my affections.

The New Yorker

I put down my groceries to examine them more closely.

The New York Times - Magazine

I put down MiiVOXMIN, picked it up, put it down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I put down" to describe the physical act of placing something on a surface or to indicate that you stopped using something. For emotional impact, consider stronger verbs depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "put down" in contexts where it could be interpreted as belittling or insulting someone. Choose more appropriate verbs like "criticize", "reject", or "dismiss" to convey your intended meaning without causing offense.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I put down" is a verb phrase, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of placing something or ceasing to use something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I put down" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase in English, primarily functioning to describe the action of physically placing something or discontinuing its use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, and it maintains a generally neutral register. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the surrounding context clarifies your intention, preventing any unintended implications of belittlement. Consider alternatives like "I set down" or "I placed" for added nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I placed

Focuses on the action of setting something down.

I set down

Similar to "I placed" but emphasizes a gentle setting.

I recorded

Implies writing or noting information.

I jotted down

Suggests a quick or informal recording.

I stopped using

Indicates ceasing the use of an object.

I abandoned

Implies leaving something behind, often with a negative connotation.

I discontinued

Formally indicates stopping an action or use.

I gave up

Suggests relinquishing something after effort.

I relinquished

Formally means to give up something.

I ceased

A formal way of saying 'stopped'.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I put down" when referring to placing something?

You can use alternatives like "I set down", "I placed", or "I rested" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "I put down" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I put down" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a phrasal verb that means to place something or to stop using something.

How can "I put down" be used in a sentence?

"I put down" is versatile. For example: "I put down my book to answer the phone" or "I put down the project because of lack of funding".

What's the difference between "I put down" and "I set down"?

While both phrases mean to place something, "I set down" often implies a gentler or more careful action compared to "I put down".