put

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "put" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to place something in a particular position, or as a phrasal verb meaning to cause something to happen. Example: I put the book on the shelf. OR I will put a plan in motion to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

The New York Times

The Economist

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I'm determined to put Britain's first-class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country".

The Guardian - Business

We may, we may not, decide that it's relevant to put something out there about some of those changes.

The Guardian

It is believed to have launched a long-range rocket and put an object into orbit in December 2012, defying scepticism and international warnings not to pursue such a programme, which could be used to develop intercontinental missiles.

The Guardian

"I'm in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But don't let that put you off.

The New York Times

Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, said her organisation "would have put the reduction of poverty as the first benchmark" in the revamped aid program and was "cautious" about the role of the private sector.

The Guardian

"The time has obviously now come for us to put the case more strongly and more coherently," he said.

The Guardian

He strongly denied all the charges put to him and pointed out that he was a strong backer of the peace process.

The Guardian

"Australia consensus would have put the University of Western Australia at the forefront of global research efforts to improve the use of aid spending.

The Guardian

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

We have already put actions in place to address some of the issues they face.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put" in writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While it's a versatile word, alternatives like "place", "set", or "position" can add precision to your meaning.

Common error

While "put" is acceptable in most contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Try replacing some instances with more precise verbs like "establish", "implement", or "institute" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "put" is as a verb. It indicates the action of placing something somewhere or bringing something into a certain state. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "put" is a highly versatile verb with a wide range of applications, from physically placing objects to expressing abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and very common in English writing. While its usage spans various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media. When writing, consider the specific context and whether more precise alternatives like "place" or "position" might be more suitable, especially in formal settings. Understanding its versatility and nuances will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place

This term conveys a similar meaning of setting something in a specific location, but it's generally more formal than "put".

set

Similar to "put" and "place", but often implies a more deliberate or careful action of positioning something.

position

Implies a more precise or strategic placement of something, often in relation to other objects or elements.

lay

Suggests placing something down gently or carefully, often in a horizontal position.

arrange

Indicates placing things in a specific order or pattern, often for aesthetic or functional purposes.

assign

Refers to allocating or designating something to a specific purpose or person.

invest

Indicates dedicating resources, time, or effort into something with the expectation of future benefit.

commit

Implies dedicating oneself or one's resources fully to a particular cause or endeavor.

couch

Suggests expressing something in a particular way, often to soften the impact or make it more palatable.

frame

Refers to presenting something in a specific way to influence how it is perceived.

FAQs

How can I use "put" in a sentence?

"Put" can be used in many ways, such as "I will "put the book on the table"", or "They "put their plans into action"".

What's a more formal alternative to "put"?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives to "put" include "place", "position", or "establish".

Is it correct to say "put emphasis on"?

Yes, "put emphasis on" is a common and correct phrase. It means to give particular importance or attention to something.

How does the meaning of "put" change with different prepositions?

The meaning of "put" can change significantly with different prepositions. For example, "put off" means to postpone, while "put up with" means to tolerate.