put down

USAGE SUMMARY

'put down' can be used correctly and appropriately in written English.
It is an imperative verb used to request that something be placed or positioned in a lower place or level. For example, you might use the phrase, "Please put down the heavy suitcase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Put down the gun!

The New Yorker

Put down the hammer.

The New York Times

Put down the hammers.

The New York Times

"Put down that bag".

The New Yorker

Put down the iPhone.

The New York Times

He was put down.

Independent

Suppose you put down unemployment.

The New York Times

He put down the almanac.

The New Yorker

He put down political roots.

The Economist

"I've put down the oar.

The New Yorker

Or put down the bong.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. If you've already used "put down" in one sense, consider using a synonym like "set down", "record", or "suppress" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the context clarifies which meaning of "put down" you intend. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as a phrasal verb. It has multiple meanings depending on the context, as seen in the Ludwig examples, including physically placing something, writing something, or suppressing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "put down" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, carrying multiple meanings that span from the literal act of placing something to more abstract concepts such as suppressing dissent or belittling someone. As Ludwig highlights, its grammatical correctness is well-established, but careful attention to context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Given its prevalence in News & Media, understanding the nuances of "put down" is essential for effective communication in diverse settings. The wide range of meanings necessitates consideration of synonyms like "set down", "write down", or "suppress" for precision. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, underscoring its importance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set down

Replaces "put down" with a more neutral term for placing something.

place down

Emphasizes the action of carefully positioning something.

write down

Specifically refers to recording information on paper.

euthanize

A formal term for humanely ending an animal's life.

suppress

Implies forceful stopping of a rebellion or uprising.

belittle

Focuses on making someone feel less important or capable.

record

Highlights the act of registering something officially.

land

Specifically refers to bringing an aircraft to the ground.

hang up

Refers to ending a phone call.

debase

Suggests lowering someone's moral character or reputation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "put down" has several meanings. You can use it to mean physically placing something (e.g., "Put down the book"), writing something (e.g., "Put down your thoughts"), or criticizing someone (e.g., "Don't put down others").

What are some alternatives to "put down" when referring to writing something?

Instead of "put down", you can use alternatives such as "write down", "jot down", or "record" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "put down" and "set down"?

"Put down" and "set down" are often interchangeable when referring to physically placing something. However, "put down" can also have negative connotations, such as belittling someone, which "set down" does not.

When is it appropriate to use "put down" in the context of euthanizing an animal?

Using "put down" to refer to euthanizing an animal is common, but it's best to use it in contexts where sensitivity is required. More formal alternatives include "euthanize".