put a map on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a map on" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to convey the action of displaying or applying a map, but it is incomplete without additional context. Example: "Before we start the journey, we need to put a map on the table to plan our route."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fine, put a map on the table.

The New York Times

Washington and its allies need to put a map on the table and challenge both sides to resume negotiations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They force Lipsha into the van and make him drive to a tatoo artist whom they have paid to put a map of Montana on his posterior.

The New Yorker

In March 1965, I put a map of Alabama on the bulletin board in my bedroom and pressed pins into the spots where the freedom marchers stood.

Huffington Post

He would put a map of the United States on the screen behind him, showing Medicare spending by region.

The New York Times - Magazine

We put a map of the United States on the wall, and we followed my father's trip.

The New York Times

But these companies don't put a map of the U.S. on the wall and throw a dart at it.

Forbes

One great application, called "Where I've Been", let you put a map of the world on your profile and highlight every country you had visited.

TechCrunch

Next, put a map of the world up on the wall, perhaps with Pakistan and Afghanistan in greatest relief.

The New Yorker

Friends of Friends Travel puts a map of the world on each member's dashboard, though, enabling them to easily see the location of everyone in their network.

The New York Times - Travel

It is time for Mr. Obama, alone or with the quartet, to put a map and deal on the table.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether you are displaying a map, applying something to a map, or using a map for strategic planning. For example, specify: "put a map on the wall" or "put data on a map".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without specifying what you are putting on the map or where you are putting the map. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "put a map on", clarify the action, like "put labels on a map".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a map on" functions as a verbal phrase, suggesting an action related to a map. As Ludwig AI points out, it requires additional context to specify the nature of the action. It can imply displaying a map, applying something to it, or using it for strategic reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

23%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "put a map on" is commonly found, Ludwig AI identifies it as lacking clarity and needing additional context. It generally means displaying a map or adding information to it. Grammatically, it's acceptable but not always the most precise choice. For improved clarity, consider alternatives like "display a map" or "mark on a map", particularly in formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its general use but also indicating the need for careful consideration in more structured writing environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display a map

Replaces the verb "put" with the more explicit "display", focusing on showing a map.

show a map

Similar to "display", emphasizing the act of presenting a map.

present a map

Formal alternative to "show", suitable for professional contexts.

create a map

Focuses on the act of making or designing a map.

draw a map

Highlights the manual creation of a map, often by hand.

pinpoint on a map

Emphasizes identifying a specific location on an existing map.

locate on a map

Similar to "pinpoint", but more general in identifying a location.

mark on a map

Highlights the act of adding a mark or symbol to a map.

plot on a map

Focuses on adding specific data points or routes to a map.

consult a map

Emphasizes the act of referencing a map for guidance or information.

FAQs

What does "put a map on" mean?

The phrase "put a map on" is generally used to describe displaying a map, such as hanging it on a wall, or it can refer to adding information or markings to a map. The intended meaning depends heavily on the context.

How can I use "put a map on" in a sentence?

For clarity, use the phrase with additional context. For instance: "We need to put a map on the wall to plan our route" or "Let's put the sales data on a map to visualize the trends."

What are some alternatives to "put a map on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "display a map", "show a map", "mark on a map", or "consult a map".

Is "put a map on" grammatically correct?

While the phrase is used, it can be considered grammatically informal or vague. More precise alternatives like "display a map" or "mark on a map" are often preferred for clarity.