put a bow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a bow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of finishing or completing something, often in a decorative or celebratory manner. Example: "After wrapping the gift, I decided to put a bow on top to make it look more festive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Tuck put a bow on the effort with 1 minute 41 seconds to play.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're about to put a bow on that situation," Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

It's so good you don't even need to put a bow on it.

The New York Times

The Mets put a bow on the bizarre doings by hitting into the second game-ending unassisted triple play in baseball history.

The New York Times

With less than four minutes remaining, the Bulls led, 109-104, after Gordon tried to put a bow on a commanding series lead with consecutive 3-pointers.

The New York Times

Chris Canty put a bow on the defensive line's performance with a sack for a safety late in the fourth quarter, spinning Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez around and then dancing to the Giants' sideline in celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I really love the photos in which we have put a bow-tie around Shaazdeh's neck," she says.

The Guardian

You don't remember putting a bow on Ebeneezer's neck?

The New Yorker

Putting a bow on all of this is the fact that the Nuggets have improved every consecutive year under Malone's four seasons with the team.

Forbes

For example, saying "hi" in the new lens will launch an animation that surrounds you with a flock of chatty birds; "love" will play cheesy jazz music; "yes" creates a zoom effect; "no" puts you in an infinite photo tunnel; and "wow" puts a bow on your head and surrounds you with the word.

TechCrunch

"But you know... it's like putting a bow on an elephant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put a bow" in your writing, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the image of finality and embellishment.

Common error

Avoid using "put a bow" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal or colloquial. Opt for more precise and professional language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a bow" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of finalizing or embellishing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests completing a task or adding a decorative touch.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a bow" is a common and generally correct idiom used to signify completing something, often with a decorative or celebratory flourish. As Ludwig AI has verified, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "add the finishing touch" or "wrap it up neatly" for more professional tones. Remember that "put a bow" helps communicate a sense of finality and positive completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add the finishing touch

Focuses on the final element that completes something, similar to adding a bow to a gift.

put the final touches

Emphasizes the last few actions to refine or complete a task.

tie it all together

Implies bringing separate elements into a cohesive whole, like a bow ties together ribbon.

complete the package

Suggests ensuring all necessary components are included and finalized.

put the cherry on top

Refers to adding something extra that enhances the overall appeal.

wrap it up neatly

Highlights the act of concluding something in an organized and tidy manner.

adorn with a ribbon

Specifically refers to decoration, similar to the literal act of adding a bow.

seal the deal

Like finalize the deal, suggests an arrangement or transaction is completed.

finalize the deal

Implies concluding an agreement or arrangement.

add an embellishment

Refers to adding something to make a thing look more attractive.

FAQs

How can I use "put a bow" in a sentence?

You can use "put a bow" to describe finalizing something, like "The team won the championship and "put a bow" on an incredible season" or to literally describe adding a decorative bow to something.

What are some alternatives to "put a bow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "add the finishing touch", "wrap it up neatly", or "complete the package".

Is it correct to say "putting a bow" instead of "put a bow"?

Yes, "putting a bow" is grammatically correct as a gerund or present participle, for example "Putting a bow on the gift was the last thing I did".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "put a bow"?

Avoid using "put a bow" in very serious or formal contexts where a more somber or professional tone is required. For example, it might be unsuitable when discussing sensitive or tragic events.