put a mark on

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a mark on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to making a physical mark on something, such as a piece of paper or an object. For example, "I put a mark on the map to indicate where we are going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Burk has put a mark on Hootie and his playmates.

The New York Times - Sports

And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.

The New York Times

It put a mark on Brand's good-guy reputation in the N.B.A. "It wasn't an issue of him leaving," Dunleavy said.

The New York Times - Sports

A lot of the research suggests that the minute you put a mark on something, students have absolutely no interest in the feedback you provide.

The Guardian

"You may laugh, but when I was giving birth to my first daughter, I kept a black marker in my hand, and as soon as she was born, I put a mark on her hand," wrote a woman named Yelena.

The New York Times

"Why do you want to put a mark on the future generations that they will never wash away?" asked Velimir Ilic, a conservative opposition parliamentarian quoted by The Associated Press.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Put a mark of shame on their profiles.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be easier if I could use the most common way of asserting identity; putting a mark on paper - one's signature.

The Guardian

In this case, we'll skip over the list of churches (but, trust me: there are so many you may even get tired of them) and start by putting a mark on your map at the Ducal Palace.

Huffington Post

The participants reported the location by putting a mark on the picture.

BMC Public Health

They indicated the intensity by putting a mark on the Borg CR 10 scale, numbered 0 to 10 [ 18].

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put a mark on", consider the context. If you mean to leave a lasting impression, alternatives like "make an imprint on" or "leave an impression on" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "put a mark on" when you intend to describe a significant impact or change. While it can refer to a physical mark, it doesn't always convey the depth of influence you might be aiming for. Use stronger verbs like "transform", "influence", or "reshape" for emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a mark on" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of making a physical or figurative mark. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable. This phrase is versatile, used to denote both literal marking and the act of influencing or affecting something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a mark on" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical marking and the act of influencing or affecting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Although the phrase is grammatically sound and understandable, it's crucial to consider the context to determine if a more precise or impactful alternative would be more appropriate. It sees use across various domains, including news, science, and general writing, although the phrase is rather uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a notation on

Focuses on making a written record or note, shifting from a general mark to something more specific and intentional.

leave an impression on

Emphasizes the impact or effect on someone or something, rather than a physical mark.

have an impact on

Similar to leaving an impression but highlights the degree of influence exerted.

make an imprint on

Highlights a lasting or significant effect, similar to leaving a physical indentation.

place a symbol on

More specific, indicating the act of adding a symbol for identification or meaning.

annotate

Implies adding notes or comments to something to provide explanation or context.

emblazon

Conveys decorating something with a prominent design or mark.

tag

Suggests labeling something, either physically or digitally, for identification or categorization.

brand

Implies marking something, often with a symbol, to indicate ownership or identity.

scar

Refers to leaving a permanent physical or emotional mark, usually from damage or trauma.

FAQs

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

You can use "put a mark on" when you want to describe the action of making a physical mark on something, or figuratively to indicate having an effect or influence. For example, "The artist put a mark on the canvas" or "His actions put a mark on his reputation".

What can I say instead of "put a mark on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leave an impression on", "make a notation on", or "have an impact on".

Is "put a mark on" formal or informal?

"Put a mark on" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in neutral or informal situations. In formal writing, consider using more precise language depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "put a mark on" and "make an imprint on"?

"Put a mark on" generally refers to a simple act of marking something. "Make an imprint on", on the other hand, suggests a more lasting or significant effect, similar to leaving a physical indentation. It implies a deeper level of influence or impact.