put back together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put back together" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reassembling or restoring something to its original state after it has been taken apart or damaged. Example: "After the storm, we had to put the pieces of the fence back together to restore our yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it got put back together.

Yale University

It wasn't easy to put back together.

The Guardian - Arts

Syria will only become harder to put back together.

The Economist

This broken glass cannot be put back together.

The New Yorker

Can the jets be put back together again?

The New York Times

Should Mondelez be put back together again with Kraft?

The New York Times

These pieces won't be put back together anytime soon.

The Washington Post

"It just needs to be put back together".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, a lot of them were never put back together.

The New York Times

But both, just occasionally, can be put back together again.

The Guardian - Opinion

His knee was put back together with metal screws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put back together", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the act of reassembling or restoring something. For abstract concepts like relationships or organizations, consider alternatives like "rebuild" or "restore" for a more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "put back together" in overly abstract contexts where it might sound awkward. For instance, instead of saying "He tried to put his life back together", consider "He tried to rebuild his life" or "He tried to find a new direction".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "put back together" is a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb when followed by an object. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in both literal contexts, such as reassembling physical objects, and figurative contexts, like restoring relationships or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put back together" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe the act of reassembling or restoring something, both literally and figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for specific contexts. With a strong presence in news media and academic writing, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reassemble

Focuses on the act of assembling something again, piece by piece.

reconstruct

Emphasizes rebuilding or recreating something, often after significant damage.

restore

Highlights returning something to its original condition.

repair

Focuses on fixing damage or defects.

mend

Implies fixing something that is torn or broken.

piece together

Stresses the act of combining individual pieces to form a whole.

rebuild

Highlights the process of building something again from scratch.

remake

Suggests creating something anew, often with improvements.

fix up

Informal way to describe repairing or improving something.

patch up

Implies making quick or temporary repairs.

FAQs

How can I use "put back together" in a sentence?

You can use "put back together" to describe the act of reassembling something physical, like "After the storm, we had to put the fence back together". It can also refer to restoring something abstract, though alternatives might be better suited depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "put back together"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reassemble", "reconstruct", "restore", or "repair".

When is it appropriate to use "put back together" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "put back together" metaphorically when referring to restoring something intangible, like a relationship or a community. However, ensure the image of reassembling pieces fits the specific situation.

Is "put back together" formal or informal?

"Put back together" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "reconstruct" or "restore" for added clarity.